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Club Activities
WEEKLY PROJECTS
IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDER (IDD) In the meantime, our South Denver Kiwanis Club has attempted to make local improvements in the use of iodized salt in places where the opportunity is presented. We were able to gain the cooperation of a large public school in Phnom Penh called Toul Kok Elementary. We raised $500.00 (US) and used it to purchase 2,500 kg of iodized salt from a Cambodian supplier. We then provided 2 kg to each of the 1000 students in 6th grade. We were told that 1 kg would last an average family a year. The children were asked to keep 1 kg of salt and give the second 1kg to a neighbor. The salt was bought in bulk and then transferred by volunteer students into 1 kg zip-lock bags. On the bags, we printed, in the Khmer language, a message addressing the students and teachers and at the same time we were able to tell them about Kiwanis. The teachers have even expressed an interest in helping to form Cambodia's first Kiwanis Club! This was a delightful experience. We were very warmly received and we would encourage others to consider similar projects, not only in Cambodia, but in any other poor countries at risk of IDD. We were able to provide the salt and the custom printed zip-lock bags for twenty cents per kilogram. In addition to schools, one could also target churches or any other institutions where one obtained the cooperation of the administration. We hope that these small local projects will impress on children the importance of using only iodized salt. Contact Keith McDonald for more information concerning this activity.
Links:
KIWANIS TRAMA UNIT
THE KIWANIS CLUB OF SOUTH DENVER IS PROUD TO BE A PART OF THIS PROJECT. For more
information on the Kiwanis Trama Unit go to: http://www.thechildrenshospital.org/wellness/safety/kpti/index.aspx.
OTHER ACTIVITIES Salvation Army: Each Christmas our members volunteer their time to ring the bells to collect money for this organization. Holiday Baskets: Each Christmas the Club funds purchase and delivers food baskets to those in need. Volunteer Hours: Club members volunteer approximately 500 service hours per month to non-profit agencies. Social Events: The Club hosts various social events during the year varying from University of Denver Hockey games, picnics, and golf tournaments to a more formal officer installation dinner.
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