On May 23, The Eliminate Project campaign team rallied together for Worldwide Report Day—allowing nearly 6,000 volunteers to publicize their districts’ commitment to save women and babies. District coordinators shared fundraising goals totaling US$92,706,860 toward our US$110 million goal. We have 429 Model Clubs, a US$137.63 district per-member average and a 59% percent district club participation average.
Thank you to all of the campaign volunteers that made our third Worldwide Report Day a tremendous success. I am truly grateful to all of those who called in on behalf of the districts for your participation today and for your dedication and hard work all year to save or protect millions of mothers and babies. The success of today, much like the overall success of the campaign, requires the involvement of each person on the campaign team. For the first time, we received each district’s fundraising goal, generating a road map that will prepare us to achieve and surpass our US$110 million goal. The reports received today reflect our remarkable progress to date, as well as where we have great potential for growth. I look forward to seeing our progress between today and when we meet in Vancouver for the Kiwanis International convention.
I appreciate all who watched the results live on the website and all who helped ensure our success. Together, we will eliminate MNT. Congratulations on our third Worldwide Report Day!
Blessings,
Chairman Randy DeLay
Globally, the progress toward eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2000, MNT was a public health threat in 59 countries. Thanks to the efforts of UNICEF and partners, we have now surpassed the halfway point. With the recent news of elimination in Iraq and Coté D’Ivoire, MNT has now been eliminated in 31 of those 59 countries. The worldwide march toward global elimination keeps picking up pace!
This momentum would not be possible without the membership of Kiwanis International and The Eliminate Project. The efforts of Kiwanis’ volunteer leadership are delivering results and inspiration around the world. We have achieved tremendous progress together, and we are thrilled to continue our work together to advocate, educate and fundraise for The Eliminate Project. No mother should have to watch her baby die of a cause we know how to prevent, and together we will protect the connection between a mother and her child. Together, we can ensure that ZERO babies die of a preventable disease like tetanus.
- Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF