Sunday, July 3, 2011

Kiwanis, UNICEF Team Up on Tetanus Project

We made it into the Courier on July 3, 2011. Last Wednesday Karyn Spory, a Courier reporter, had breakfast with us so that she could learn about the Rough Risers. Here is the article that reflects her findings:

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- After more than 30 years of service, the Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers are probably best known for their kettle corn.

But a new national project with UNICEF getting under way soon likely will shed light on some of the Rough Risers' other projects.

Kiwanis International and UNICEF are teaming up to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, a disease that kills nearly 60,000 infants each year, according to the organization's website. The goal is to wipe out the problem by 2015, an initiative that will require $110 million.

Rough Risers President Jim Larson said the group will begin their Eliminate Project later this summer once the new administration takes over. For now the club will focus on local service projects.

Cindy Hahn, one of the directors, said "Rough Risers are doers. This club is hands-on rather than just donation. Our motto is, 'We build,'" she said.

Recent projects included shelters for the Cedar Valley Youth Soccer Complex, picnic tables at George Wyth State Park, renovations at the Cedar Falls Ice House and Habitat For Humanity building projects.

"Not only did we build shelters at the soccer complex, but we also built shelters at the Hartman Reserve Nature Center," Secretary Treasurer Gil Hewett said.

She favors the construction efforts but other initiatives are important, too.
 "I don't think it makes much difference which it is because people are working together and I think that's what's important," she said.


The club is always receptive to adding members. The Rough Risers meet at 6:30 a.m. every Wednesday at the Clarion Motel on University Avenue for a buffet style breakfast and a little work.

"It's a great organization," Larson said. "You get to know each other and get to do things within the community."

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