The Eliminate Project

Took an early morning run before a full day of activities and classes for the MO-ARK Kiwanis annual convention being held at the Ramada Oasis in Springfield MO. Between the fog and humidity, my glasses were sweating, my pits were sweating, my phone was sweating. 

Anyway, if you are a runner traveling thru Springfield you might want to stay somewhere other than the hotel strip on I-44 and North Glenstone Ave. Narrow side streets without sidewalks, traffic ways without walkways, unmarked dead-ends, and heavy traffic pretty much limits you to Glenstone. Three miles south and back from I-44 means breathing constant fumes from often way-too-close traffic as the city awakens and begins the workday. At 6:00-8:00 in the morning, runners need to watch for commuters on cell phones swinging into fast-food places and gas stations, not expecting to encounter anyone in their path. 

A community service organization that will celebrate 100 years in existence in 2015, Kiwanis has embarked on a $110,000,000 fundraising campaign to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. 

To save a child and protect a woman from tetanus costs $1.80 USD. 

Called the Eliminate Project, members of Kiwanis Clubs across the world are engaged in some very creative and fun ways to raise the funds. From “Fun Runs” to selling hot dogs at county fairs, to silent auctions, to balloon rides… local groups are taking the challenge in addition to the many local service events, projects and programs they continually support. (My own club in Independence MO annually supports over twenty programs for local kids in working with the school district, Boys and Girls, Club, CAPA, Hope House, etc.)

So, my next couple of days is with a small crazy group of people who truly believe that they can make a difference in our world. Because they do!

Ten years ago Iodine deficiency disorders worldwide were virtually eliminated. Because Kiwanis partnered with UNICEF in working in over 130 countries to make it happen. 

I think they will overachieve their goals this time. 5400 members in just over 200 clubs in Missouri and Arkansas have already raised over $1,000,000. 

Not just talking about problems. Not just solving problems. But eliminating problems.  So you and I, and our neighbors around the global can live healthier, fuller lives.