Kiwanis Club wants you to become penniless

The Camrose Kiwanis Club has a unique way for you to get rid of your unwanted one-cent pieces and help a world-wide cause at the same time.

The club has placed several jars around town to collect pennies for a vaccine that protects mothers against maternal neonatal tetanus (MNT), a disease which, in developing countries, kills one baby every nine minutes.

"The cost of supplying the vaccine is just 60 cents a dose, explains Kiwanis secretary treasurer, Western Canada District, Dirk Bannister.

The collection effort by the Camrose Kiwanis Club is part of a world-wide campaign by Kiwanis International to totally eliminate MNT.

"The support of our strong global network of Kiwanis family members at the club, division and international levels is essential to conduct a successful campaign," states a Kiwanis International brochure.

"We will showcase The Eliminate Project at Kiwanis International conventions."

A woman who receives three doses of tetanus vaccine is protected against tetanus for most of her childbearing years.

"When an immunized mother gives birth, she passes her immunity along to her child," states Kiwanis International. "The baby will require booster shots to remain protected."

A portion of the money raised by the Kiwanis family will be devoted to ongoing education and sustainability efforts.

Kiwanis is partnering with UNICEF, which is already close to eliminating MNT in countries such as Cambodia. It is hoped the funds raised by the Kiwanis family will fill the funding gap and ensure that MNT will no longer be a threat in the 38 countries it currently exists. The campaign plan will extend over four years so that every Kiwanis Club can mobilize its support.

"Kiwanis estimates that this program will save and protect over 61 million moms and babies at its conclusion," said Bannister.

Anyone wishing to contribute more than pennies to The Eliminate Project is encouraged to call Cheryl or Dirk Bannister at 780-608-1417, or email wecandst@gmail.com.

Kiwanis International chose to eliminate MNT because there is already a proven action plan in place and the results are measurable. A Zeller Fellowship will honour those who make a gift of US $1,250 or pledge over two consecutive years to The Eliminate Project.