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Kiwanis Clubs of The Bahamas Lauded for Great Work in Supporting Vulnerable Groups
By Matt Maura, BIS
Jan 23, 2015 - 12:34:58 PM

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Minister Griffin addresses Kiwanis. (BIS Photo/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.)

NASSAU, The Bahamas - The construction and management of the Bahamas Children's Emergency Hostel should be recorded as one of the greatest success stories in the history of the Kiwanis Clubs in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Minister of Social Services and Community Development, the Hon. Melanie Sharon Griffin said Wednesday.

Addressing the Joint Division Inter-Club meeting of the Kiwanis Clubs of The Bahamas in celebration of Kiwanis International's 100th anniversary, Wednesday at the Bahamas Red Cross Centre, Mrs. Griffin lauded the local organization for its yeoman's efforts in nation-building.

"As the Minister of Social Services with responsibility for the care and protection of children, I acknowledge that I may be biased, but in my view, the construction and management of The Bahamas Children's Emergency Hostel should be recorded as one of the greatest success stories of the Kiwanis Clubs in The Bahamas. This is a story that needs to be told continuously to both national and international audiences as this, in my view, is a most tangible expression of service," Mrs. Griffin said.

"During my two terms as Minister with responsibility for Social Services, I have unfortunately seen any number of civic-minded organizations come and go. Many of these organizations died because they lacked a true focus or they did not create a method for continuity.

"On this 100th anniversary internationally and 53rd anniversary locally (Kiwanis Clubs in The Bahamas are simultaneously celebrating 53 years of service in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas), it is clear that the Kiwanis Club has found the right formula for guaranteeing long-term success. I dare say that this is closely linked with service [as] no one who is providing meaningful service that is benefitting others would wish to see it discarded while on the other hand, very few persons would wish to remain involved with an organization that is stagnant or only concerned with self, hence I feel that your continued involvement in service projects has contributed to your longevity," Mrs. Griffin added.

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Kiwanis Clubs audience. (BIS Photo/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.)

The Bahamas Children's Emergency Hostel has been managed by Kiwanis since 1970, a period of 45 years. Mrs. Griffin said to the organization's credit, the facility does more than just feed and house children who are in need, but also imparts the qualities of kindness, thankfulness and volunteerism to hundreds of children "with whom we have entrusted them over the years."

The Kiwanis Clubs also play a vital role in the Ministry's child protection efforts with its Immediate Past Lieutenant-Governor, Miss Christine King, serving as an invaluable member of the Child Protection Committee. The organization's involvement with the country's youth also extends to mentoring programmes through the establishment of Key Clubs and Builders Clubs.

Minister Griffin said the Kiwanis Clubs of The Bahamas have been able to keep the doors of the Bahamas Children's Emergency Hostel open for the 31 residents that currently call the facility home, despite a decline in financial support from members of the general public.

"Over the past few years, in particular, the financial support from the public-at-large has diminished considerably, but the doors have remained open and this is due in no small measure to the commitment of the Kiwanis Clubs to provide service to the facility and to the children who call it home," Mrs. Griffin said.

"Kiwanis International has given exemplary service to the world for 100 years as have the local clubs since their establishment over 50 years ago. Kiwanis Clubs really do serve as a template for other civic organizations to emulate," Mrs. Griffin added.

Mrs. Griffin said the organization's work in The Bahamas, especially with regards to its assistance with "the many vulnerable groups and institutions" that fall under the mandate of the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development, "has been truly legendary."

In addition to their association with the Bahamas Children's Emergency Hostel, the Clubs' other involvements with the Ministry include the Persis Rodgers Home for the Aged, the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys and Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls.

"You would note that all of these facilities accommodate a particular vulnerable group and demonstrates the organization's concern for all people. Kiwanis's 53 years of existence and the tremendous contribution made over these years to the growth and development of our country puts them in a category whereby very few other civic organizations have been around as long or accomplished as much," Mrs. Griffin added.

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