Kiwanis International: an international service organization comprised of men and women who want to make a difference in their community and around the world. The primary focus of Kiwanis is young children, from pre-birth to age 5.
In pursuit of that primary focus, Kiwanis Clubs around the world have tried to ensure that children are immunized at an early age; taught parents about how to properly care for their child whether it is by keeping poisons locked up, or reading to the child; or through many other projects.
Studies show that a child's brain begins to develop immediately following birth and at an amazingly fast pace. If a parent waits until the child is 3 or 4 years old to start their education, it is too late.
But that focus is not the only area of concern for the more than 8,400 Kiwanis Clubs throughout the world. In the 96 countries in which a Kiwanis club exists Kiwanians care about the others in their community: whether they are school-age children, adults or the elderly. They care about those halfway around the world.
Kiwanis Clubs have donated in excess of $85,000,000 to try to eradicate iodine deficiency disorder (IDD). This condition arises as a result of a lack of iodine in someone's diet. It causes retardation, cretinism and is a major cause of child deaths in the third world. Through our efforts, the scourge of IDD has all but been eliminated in the world.
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Local Kiwanis Clubs decide what problems need to be addressed in their community. Many clubs sponsor youth sport teams and other youth organizations. They provide school supplies, Christmas gifts and food to the less fortunate. They help out their communities by "lending a hand" to assist with a project, or to help raise money for other worthwhile organizations.
The men and women of the various Kiwanis Clubs are not alone in their endeavors to make the world better. Kiwanis sponsors several youth organizations in North America. The first such group to be formed was Key Club in our high schools. Key Club is recognized as the leading high school civic club in the world. Additionally, Kiwanis sponsors Circle K Clubs in colleges and universities, Builders' Clubs in middle school, and K Kids in elementary schools. Lastly there are Aktion Clubs for the handicapped.
By membership in these clubs the members learn leadership skills and other valuable lessons in life. Kiwanians and their sponsored youth members total about 600,000 people through out the world who want to make their community and the world a better place for us all.
Through Kiwanis membership, individuals can give of themselves -- their experience, knowledge, time and love -- to those who need them most. Kiwanians can work for a way of life in which they believe. They can form friendships on a first name basis with fellow citizens they otherwise might never have met.
The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe
The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe was founded in September of 2004. Our club serves the Alachua and High Springs area of Alachua County, FL, just northwest of Gainesville, home of the National Champion Gator basketball team and the National Champion Gator football team. Go Gators!.
In its short existence, the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe has accomplished a great deal. See some of our many Projects.
Making life better for the children of this area is our mission. If you would like to add your knowledge, skills and love to our team, please see the Membership page .
Your talents, whatever they may be, are needed to better the lives of our young children. What you do may well be the key to getting just one child started on a more healthy, productive way of life.
Please join us.