Out of a record 526 entries from 33 countries, this year’s six winning projects brought communities together.  

By Erin Chandler

Kiwanis clubs around the world brought their communities together over the past year through creative and impactful service, fundraisers and events. On July 4 at the 2024 Kiwanis International Convention in Denver, Colorado, U.S., Kiwanians gathered to celebrate the best of Kiwanis clubs’ signature projects. 

Out of a record number of 526 contest entries from 33 countries, this year’s six winning projects were notable for bringing joy to kids and families while giving them reasons to unite in support and celebration. Through coordinated events and long-term programs, these clubs promoted the Kiwanis causes — health and nutrition, education and literacy, and youth leadership development — in fun and innovative ways.

For contest details, visit the Signature Project Contest webpage.

Group One (clubs with 27 or fewer members)

Gold 

Kiwanis Club of Randolph Township – New Jersey District
Randolph Kiwanis Freedom Festival & Parade 

Each year on July 4, thousands of people line the streets in New Jersey for the Kiwanis Club of Randolph Township’s parade celebrating the United States’ Independence Day. But that’s not all — parade-goers can enjoy fireworks, carnival rides, games, a beer garden and family entertainment at the Freedom Festival on the County College of Morris campus. Local groups and organizations participate in the parade and host booths at the festival. The event brings the whole community together to honor veterans’ service and celebrate the country’s independence.   

Silver 

Kiwanis Club of Kalayaan, Quezon City – Philippine Luzon District
Kiwanis Special Games 2024 

Inspired by the Philippine Luzon District’s part in organizing a nationwide Special Olympics in the Philippines, the Kiwanis Club of Kalayaan decided to host its own games for athletes with intellectual disabilities. For 38 years, the numbers of participating schools and sponsors have increased. Schools even provide uniforms for their athletes. Kiwanians from Kalayaan and other clubs serve as referees and coordinators. At the most recent special games, over 1,000 athletes had the chance to compete and excel, winning medals while gaining confidence and self-esteem.  

Bronze 

Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera – Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District
No Child Without Christmas 

Eleuthera is an island in the Bahamas with a population of just over 9,000 people — many of whom live without running water, bedding or enough food. For the past 50 years, the Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera has helped the island’s children experience holiday magic. In 2023, club members spent months marketing and raising funds for the island’s largest toy drive, even going door-to-door to help spread the word. They then traveled to Florida to purchase 1,500 gifts — including toys, bikes, iPads and bedding. The presents were loaded into a truck the club called its “sleigh,” and 20 volunteers embarked on “Santa’s Road Trip,” hand-delivering cheer, hope and a sense of community to over 50% of South Eleuthera’s young people across all 11 settlements. 

Group Two (clubs with 28 or more members) 

Gold 

Kiwanis Club of Providence-Montego Bay – Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District
Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run/Walk/Wheelchair 

For 14 years, the Kiwanis Club of Providence-Montego Bay has held its Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Run/Walk — and last year, the club added a wheelchair segment to allow Aktion Clubs and community members with disabilities to take part. The event doesn’t just raise awareness; it also raises funds for the Jamaica Cancer Society, the Oncology Ward of the Cornwall Regional Hospital, individuals in need of financial support for their cancer treatment and recovery, and other community projects. Kiwanians, community partners and over 200 Key Club and Circle K International members worked together to make a memorable event for over 2,500 attendees.

Silver 

Kiwanis Club of Stuart – Florida District
Kiwanis Park at Woodlawn 

When members of the Kiwanis Club of Stuart built the first two playgrounds for Kiwanis Park at Woodlawn in 1990, they had no idea what a landmark the park would become for its community. Situated at the entrance to the city near a low-income neighborhood, several daycare centers and the Creek Arts District, the park opened the county’s first accessible playground in 2015 and its only sensory playground in 2021. Each of four playground areas has its own Little Free Library stocked by Kiwanians. Park-goers can also enjoy free Wi-Fi, a concession stand and donated art fixtures. Club events have become so popular that the park is now its main source of fundraising. In fact, most of the funds for the last round of park renovations came from the park itself.   

Bronze 

Kiwanis Club of Gig Harbor – Pacific Northwest District
Kiwanis Cares for Kids (KCK) 

The Kiwanis Club of Gig Harbor works closely with the 17 schools of the Peninsula School District on its Kiwanis Cares for Kids (KCK) program. What started as a project to provide new clothes and shoes for kids in need has grown into one that facilitates experiences that help kids grow. Throughout the year, the club continues to raise funds for clothes and shoes — but also for field trips, books, flexible classroom seating and extracurricular activities such as sports, music and camp. KCK enhances the self-esteem, education and life experiences of students from preschool through the post-high school transition program for adults with special needs.  

The Children’s Fund trustee passed away on June 28.

By Tony Knoderer

Brenda Leigh Johnson, a member of the Kiwanis Children’s Fund Board of Trustees, passed away on June 28. She was 63. A member of the Kiwanis Club of Elmira, New York, U.S., Johnson had been a Children’s Fund trustee since October 2022.  

She became a Kiwanis member in 2008, when she joined the Kiwanis Club of Huntington in New York. She eventually served the New York District as lieutenant governor from 2014-16 and as governor in 2020-21. Johnson was recognized as the club’s Kiwanian of the Year in 2011 and achieved Kiwanis International Life Member status in 2014. 

Johnson was also a generous donor to the Children’s Fund, including membership in the Kiwanis Children’s Fund Founders Circle. She was also a Major Gift donor to The Eliminate Project and a Presidential Walter Zeller Fellow.

“The Kiwanis Children’s Fund Board has suffered a great loss with the passing of our esteemed colleague, Brenda Leigh Johnson,” says Amy Zimmerman, 2023-24 Kiwanis Children’s Fund president. “Her remarkable leadership, strategic vision and tireless efforts to better the world will be greatly missed. And most of all her friendship. I offer my sincerest condolences to her family and the Kiwanis family.”

Prior to retirement, Johnson worked with Dale Carnegie and Associates, a professional development training organization. She is survived by her husband, Peter — also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Elmira — and their son.