Worldwide Service Project—IDD

TCI has supported, from the outset, Kiwanis' first Worldwide Service Project:  the virtual elimination of iodine-deficiency disorders (IDD) in approximately 80 (mostly Third World) nations. 
Background.  At the beginning of the project, approximately one-third of the earth's population was at risk for disorders related to iodine deficiency, the most serious of which was profound mental retardation (cretinism). Though completely preventable by the addition of iodine to table salt, cretinism is irreversible and almost entirely attributable to iodine
deficiency in mothers during the 12th to 14th weeks of gestation.
Plan.  The Kiwanis Family of more than 600,000 adult and Sponsored Youth members committed themselves to raise $75 million toward the goal of eliminating IDD.  All funds raised were to be channeled to UNICEF projects in the 80 at-risk nations.
Project Accomplishments.  As of 2000, more than $62 million of KI's $75 million goal has been raised.
TCI Accomplishments.  TCI is a world leader in Kiwanis fund raising for the elimination of IDD.  To date, more than $64,000 has been contributed by the club to the IDD effort in a two-pronged effort:  (1) Solicitation of funds from Tri-Cities philanthropists and club members (~75%) and (2) Sales throughout the English-speaking Kiwanis World of two Kiwanis Education books authored by a club member (~25%).
TCI Kiwanians are particularly proud that funds raised from its efforts with Tri-Cities philanthropists were directly responsible for the first deletion of a nation from UNICEF's list of 80 At Risk nations (Vietnam).  This was accomplished through the assistance and influence (with a major Third World national leader) of Dr. Lewis Zirkle, a Tri-Cities orthopaedic surgeon whose long history of medical humanitarianism in Southeast Asia and South America earned him, in 1997, Kiwanis' highest honor for service, the coveted World Service Medal.

·         IDD Contributions from sales of Kiwanis is a Verb and Being Lt. Governor.  Authored by TCI member, John Yegge, all profits (nearly $16,000 to date) are contributed to the Kiwanis fight against Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD).

·         Individual IDD Contributions

·         Student Scholarship to Study IDD Problems in Central America (Supported through the TCI Foundation)

·         Funds for an IDD Billboard

Young Children: Priority One

·         Family-A-Fair – An annual event which features demonstrations, entertainment, and new ideas for enhanced family living.  The Tri-City Kiwanis clubs are one of several sponsors and each club has various responsibilities during the event to aid in its success.

·         March of Dimes Lunch Stop

·         Thanksgiving Baskets (to a family with pre-school children)

·         Christmas Baskets

·         3 Coins in a Can (Baby Food for the Food Bank)  

·         Children’s Center (Fund Raising Activities)

·         Safe Harbor Crisis Nursery Support

Youth Services

·         Pen Pal Letters to 4^th Graders – A number of TCI members participate by regularly corresponding back and forth with their assigned 4^th grader at Jefferson School, providing guidance, encouragement and inspiration, and closing the year with a fun event.

·         SHAKE – A program providing school supplies for school children who cannot afford their own supplies. 

·         Thanksgiving Baskets (to a family with school age children)

·         Christmas Baskets

·         River’s Edge Scholarship

·         Children’s Museum Projects

·         Magic Shows for Youth Fairs

·         Focus on Youth Symposium Support

·         Assist with “Up with People” Show

·         Photography Contest Assistance at the County Fair

·         HOBY Contribution (Kiwanis Project)