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.
