Kiwanis International President Donald Canaday was in the island recently to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Kiwanis in Jamaica, which coincided with the 94th anniversary of Kiwanis International. Jamaica comprises four Kiwanis divisions, 58 clubs and 2,400 members.

Canaday, a 38-year veteran Kiwanian, was elected president at the 93rd annual International Convention in Orlando, Florida, in June 2008, to serve a one-year term. The highlight of his visit to the island was the induction of 75 new members during a ceremony at the Hilton Kingston hotel last Thursday. Associate Editor Byron Buckley spoke to Canaday before the start of the ceremony.

Why are you in Jamaica?

I am here to celebrate with the Kiwanians of Jamaica. They are a great bunch of men and women who wear the pin of Kiwanis proudly and they serve those who are in need. We are hoping to grow.

What accounts for Jamaica having so many Kiwanians?

I think what accounts for this is that the Jamaican people have a good heart. They are willing to give up their time and of their talent and their treasure for the good of somebody else who has problems or needs.

How strong is the spirit of volunteerism in Jamaica compared to other countries?

I always look forward to running into the Jamaicans at the international convention every year because they are very happy people. They are always joyous and upbeat, and they are always thinking positive about things they can do. When you learn what these Kiwanis clubs are doing around Jamaica, it is really amazing.

How well is volunteerism doing across the world?

At one time Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions and Optimist all were growing and then they started on a downslide, and that continued. We have learnt from recent studies that those coming out of high schools and colleges now are community-minded. This is so partly because many of the schools now require a number of hours of community service from their students - which they did not before - from what we used to call the 'me generation'. And so, these younger people are coming forward with a spirit of community service and they are coming forward at a great time, with the economic situation in the world. The need is great; there are a lot of children out there who need our help and they are waiting on us.

What are the main things on Kiwanis International agenda?

One is growth. Growth in the existing clubs and growth in communities that don't have Kiwanis service clubs.

Two, we had a great project called Iodine Difficiency Disorders for which we raised over US$100 million. We are about to start our next worldwide service project, something that will make a difference throughout the world. There are a lot of things being discussed; one is clean water. That is a major problem in a lot of areas in the world where children get ill and die due to the effects of dirty water.

How are your projects financed?

Each club raises funds differently. We do have a foundation and we make grants to clubs, including those here in Jamaica, to do special projects. The foundation will be supporting a new project by a Jamaican club to provide a huge supply of soccer balls to give to young kids who don't have soccer balls so they can exercise and learn the great game of football.

Is there a relationship between Kiwanis and other international service clubs?

On December 31, I had breakfast with the international president of Rotary, Lions and Optimist clubs. We discussed mutual problems - the fact that the need is growing and that we need to grow. Right now, Kiwanis is growing, but the other three aren't.

What accounts for the growth?

I think it is because of the focus of the leadership on growth. We understand that growth equals service. We do more service; we touch more lives, especially the lives of children, in a positive way.

Is there any relationship between international service clubs, the NGO community and the United Nations?

We partnered with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) on raising the US$100 m for the Iodine Difficiency problem. That is the world's leading cause of preventable mental retardation in children. So, we partner with UNICEF and we may do so on the next worldwide project we are about to undertake.

byron.buckley@gleanerjm.com