Division 22:

Nassau, Bahamas

It was a cold and rainy Friday that Julia and I flew south to visit Lieutenant Governor Evan Dean and Division 22. We were greeted with warm smiles and even warmer temperatures. Bahamians celebrate "Discovery Day" at the same time Canadians celebrate their Thanksgiving. Both weekends create a welcomed fall holiday that encourages families to stay together. It seemed appropriate that we would choose to visit our extended Kiwanis family in Division 22 on this weekend.

Lieutenant Governor Evan and Distinguished Lieutenant Governor Henry Gibson (Class of 2005-2006) picked us up at the airport and proceeded to give us an island tour that included a number of important Kiwanis projects. Kiwanians strive to make a difference in the lives of the young people whom they serve, and this is very apparent in the Bahamas.

We toured the Kiwanis Children's Emergency Hostel (i.e., orphanage). Here, as many as 36 children (up to the age of 12) reside until a placement can be found. They were delighted that, at this time, only 19 children were in residence. The Kiwanis Clubs of Nassau built and continue to support this orphanage. Lieutenant Governor Evan pointed out that as important as it is to begin projects such as this, the ongoing maintenance is something that can never be forgotten. To that end, Evan made note of a number of deficiencies that he would encourage the clubs to rectify. They were nothing that some paint, new furniture and minor grounds work couldn't rectify. A couple of Kiwanis work parties and the shelter would be back in tip-top shape, Evan assured us.

More then $140,000 was raised to build a library for the Simpson Penn Center for Boys, a home for wayward youth. Believing in active "hands on" involvement, Distinguished Lieutenant Governor Henry described working with the young men who called this, "home". Through mentoring, the Kiwanians of the Nassau clubs help build esteem in some young men who need it most.

The clubs of Division 22 will be holding their next DCM during the second week of December. I am looking forward to returning at that time to meet more Kiwanians and see the results of continued Kiwanis care.