WHILE proud to be among the people honoured by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), members of the Kiwanis fraternity say their efforts are rooted not in the pursuit of recognition, but in genuine commitment to serving their communities.

The honour was bestowed upon the Kiwanis at April’s KSAMC monthly council meeting, where 32 individuals and representatives of organisations were recognised for their continued contributions to the municipality’s feeding programme, which provides meals, supports rehabilitation, and encourages public partnerships to streamline donations for the homeless.

“The main inspiration that I have as a Kiwanian is to give altruistic service to human and spiritual needs. Basically, we are supposed to go out, help those who are in need, and care for them in that sense. That’s one of the main objectives of Kiwanis because basically, we live not for ourselves, but for others,” said past director of Kiwanis North St Andrew Jason Shuttleworth, in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

He said his club is primarily focused on feeding the homeless in Kingston as every Kiwanian operates on a people-first-basis, and prioritises giving to those who cannot provide for themselves.

“We have an initiative where we feed the people in Kingston on a monthly basis, and, for example, at the Marie Atkins Centre for the Homeless, we have over 250 people who get fed every month. We have persons in the Jones Town community that we feed on a monthly basis, at least 70 of them every month… This is the primary objective that we have, to go out, find the needy, and serve those who are in need,” said Shuttleworth.

Distinguished president of the Kiwanis Club of CyberConnect Jamaica Andrew Samuels shared similar sentiments as he pointed out that his club also focused on feeding the less fortunate.

“Our thing was the Kiwanis Soup It Up project, where we believe in providing sustenance via soup. Normally, each quarter [of the year], we provide two pots of soups, which would help in the afternoon as a meal. Sometimes up to 300 persons are fed, and this project, the donation comes from the members directly, not from the club funds,” pointed out Samuels.

He highlighted that the project has been ongoing for the past nine years, and tried to ensure that people in need did not feel less than human.

Samuels said that project has been maintained so that the Kiwanians can continue to positively impact the needy.

“Each time we go to the Marie Atkins Shelter, or the Desmond McKenzie Shelter, we find that there are more people coming for food and in need, so the need is great. And we believe that if we must take care of the soul, we start from feeding people, so we can start to take care of the mind and the heart. Much of what we do in Kiwanis is not about ourselves. It’s about humanity. It’s about giving to others.

“We believe in Kiwanis that we can change the world, one community at a time. So whatever we do, we try to help people regardless of any recognition. So to be honoured and recognised by the KSAMC is an achievement, but it is humanity that we serve,” said Samuels.

Meanwhile president of the Kiwanis Club of Kingston Zurie Johnson that while they did not work with hope of being rewarded, he celebrates that their impact on the community was seen and appreciated. He told the Observer that the fraternity would continue meaningful initiatives that benefit not only the needy, but children who will grow to continue their goodwill.

“The most impactful project for me really would be our Terrific Kids programme, because if you want to make a difference, I believe you start with the youth. And so that one, we pour into young people, we teach them leadership skills, we teach them about themselves, and we teach them to do things like what we’re doing, where we go out and help the needy.

“Yes, we don’t do it for awards, but there is this thing that encouragement, sweetens labour. So when the members see that their work is appreciated, I do believe that they’ll want to pour more and to give more,” said Johnson.

In the meantime, chief executive officer of the KSAMC Robert Hill extended his appreciation to the recipients of the council award, thanking them for their invaluable contributions to the municipality and encouraging them to continue their good deeds.

“The City of Kingston this morning recognises 32 of our most valuable stakeholders. Gratitude and appreciation of their unwavering compassion, selfless service, and outstanding commitment to improving the lives of the less fortunate. Through their generosity, advocacy, and tireless efforts, they have brought dignity, hope, and meaningful support to those most in need or in dire need. Their actions stand as a powerful example of service to humanity and a lasting contribution to community upliftment, as they continue to play their part in empowering persons experiencing homelessness across Kingston and St Andrew,” said Hill.