For months now New York District Kiwanis club meetings have come to an abrupt halt to comply with Covid-19 quarantine regulations set forth by our state officials. We now meet via computer or phone utilizing Zoom, Go To Meeting or FaceTime. We've had to cancel many of our annual fundraising events and projects that were scheduled a year in advance.
This does not mean that Kiwanians have been deterred in their mission to help those in need. Like the mail service, neither rain, sleet, snow, or now coronavirus can keep Kiwanis volunteers from doing what is needed.
We have been busy collecting food for our local food banks and providing personal protective equipment for our first responders and hospital workers. We have also delivered meals to our elderly residents and veterans. We've sewn protective face masks for ourselves and cloth dolls for children in hospital wards.
We coordinate these tasks quietly and seamlessly without missing a beat.
Because these valid efforts are not part of our usual list of activities, Governor Joe and I have revised the criteria for the Distinguished Kiwanian award to include participation in the projects noted above thereby replacing attending the Kiwanis International Convention and District Convention, canceled this year for safety reasons.
Kindly review the updated form on the District Website: 'District'; 2019-2020 Forms/Documents, to receive much well-deserved recognition.
Most of all, please continue to be vigilant, stay safe and keep well.
Column Posted on Web Site July 20, 2020
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated