This year was full of surprises and sudden changes. Despite the disappointments, a lot of good happened in 2020. In the face of a global pandemic, Kiwanians around the world stepped up to provide necessities and peace of mind to children and families who needed it most. We found ways to connect with each other virtually. And we realized that Kiwanis service shines in times of struggle.

Here are some highlights from 2020.

RISING ABOVE

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily life for billions of families. See how clubs in Panama, Germany, Jamaica and the United States transformed the crisis into an opportunity to help others.

MORE PLAYTIME FOR KIDS

Congratulations to the Kiwanis Club of Worthington, Minnesota! The club won US$25,000 of playground equipment from Kiwanis partner Landscape Structures in the seventh annual Legacy of Play contest. Read how this will help kids in Minnesota when it’s safe to visit playgrounds again.

A DAY OF SERVICE

From Barbados to the Philippines to the United States, clubs around the world found ways to safely serve kids on Kiwanis One Day: building desks for children to do schoolwork on at home; delivering toiletries to families in need; hosting an infant care program for mothers and more. See the highlights.  

MAKING DREAMS POSSIBLE

Thanks to generous donors, the Kiwanis Children’s Fund granted US$1.27 million to help kids around the world in 2020. This included $165,000 to support COVID-19 relief projects led by 73 clubs in 11 countries; $786,000 to the ongoing efforts to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus and iodine deficiency disorders; scholarships to outstanding Key Club International and Circle K International students; and other club and district projects.  

LUNCH WITH A LEADER

With so many members staying home and staying safe, Kiwanis offered ideas to meet online and to continue fundraising in a virtual setting and showcased new programs such as Virtual Key Leader. Watch the programs.  

KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

While we couldn't meet in person in Indianapolis, Indiana, as originally planned for the 2020 Kiwanis International Convention, we were able to elect new leaders and celebrate clubs that entered the popular Signature Project Contest.

SERVICE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS GO VIRTUAL

Members of Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs — from elementary school through college and adulthood — used their creativity to continue to serve their schools and communities despite the pandemic. K-Kids, Builders Club and Key Club International developed virtual meeting kits, and Key Club and Circle K International held online conferences and are piloting a new leadership program for high school and university students.

LOOKING TO 2021

Regardless of what’s ahead, Kiwanians will be there for children and communities worldwide. Our most popular video of the year says it best — when the time is right, we’ll be together again, making a difference.