Three Kiwanis Club of Warsaw members were recently recognized for contributions to the Eliminate project. Eliminate Chairman Michael Bergen, Alderfer & Bergen; club President Renea Salyer, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce; and Secretary Joni Truex, Builders Association Kosciusko Fulton Counties, were each presented with a Hixson award. In order to receive the Hixson, a member must contribute over $1,000 to the Kiwanis International Eliminate Project. This award consists of a pin, medallion and framed award certificate. The Eliminate Project is a joint effort between Kiwanis International and UNICEF to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, a disease that kills nearly 60,000 babies and a significant number of women each year, according to the Warsaw Kiwanis. The effects of the disease are excruciating — tiny newborns suffer repeated, painful convulsions and extreme sensitivity to light and touch. To eliminate maternal neonatal tetanus, more than 100 million mothers and their future babies must be immunized, according to information from the club. This requires vaccines, syringes, safe storage, transportation, thousands of skilled staff and more. It will take $110 million and the dedicated work of UNICEF and every member of the Kiwanis family to ensure the success of this project. According to the Kiwanis International Eliminate website, $76 million has been raised. There are 24 countries remaining with maternal neonatal tetanus disease. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis Club of Warsaw meets Thursdays from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds in the Shrine Building. Guests and visitors are welcome. For more information visit the club website at warsawkiwanis.net or the club’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/KiwanisClubofWarsaw
