My Fellow Kiwanians

During the 1995-1996 Administrative Year, I was honored and privileged to serve as the President of the Kiwanis Club of Fort Montagu, Nassau Bahamas. Chartered in 1964 it is one of the earlier clubs organized outside of North America.

One of my goals was to focus and concentrate on “Hands on Projects”. As a project, the Community Service Chairperson organized a visit to a Senior Citizens Home. We not only took along much needed supplies, but also a medical doctor who provided services that neither the Club nor the Operators of the Home could afford. The occupants of the home were provided with medical examinations that were centered on their vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure.

We who attended the project could do very little apart from being there, and assisting the Doctor. We were shocked to discover, after the examinations that prescribed medication had to be made available urgently and with the Doctor’s assistance steps were initiated to obtain these supplies. Even more disturbing, was the revelation that a senior citizen had to be transported by ambulance immediately, and admitted to hospital. Although, I had other plans, my concern and appreciation of the situation took over and I was unable to leave until that citizen was transported to hospital. We learnt from the Doctor that our project and our presence saved his life. The feeling and gratification that I contributed to an effort that saved a life is indescribable, overwhelming and lingers with me even to this day. It will forever be a part of my life and a Kiwanis moment that supersede all others.

The Club received a banner patch for an outstanding Community Service Project.

Thank you Kiwanis, for a life long, pleasant memory, that is full of joy, emanating from service to others.

LG Richard Sands
Division 22- Sunshine Division
Commonwealth of the Bahamas.