Mr. Ranglin commended the Kiwanis Clubs in Jamaica, Kiwanis International and the Kiwanis Club of Westmoreland Capital on their devotion to humanitarian projects. Among the achievements of Kiwanis International which he singled out for commendation were the worldwide service project to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders, the maternal/neonatal tetanus project aimed at countering the disease which kills one baby every nine minutes, the fight against childhood obesity through the staging of children's triathlons and the Kiwanis International Foundation's Disaster Relief Programme. He was particularly pleased and impressed that the Kiwanis worldwide service project to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders, the world's leading preventable cause of mental retardation has been one of the most successful health initiatives in the world. The project has raised more than US $100 million, as a result of the fund-raising initiatives of Kiwanis Clubs in more than 103 countries.
The GK Foods CEO acknowledged and congratulated the Kiwanis Club of Westmoreland for its commitment to community development: "The feeding of the young and needy at early childhood institutions; the participation in educating them especially through reading and challenge quizzes; the provision of support to needy families and persons in need of health care support, and the assistance to parents through parenting workshops – all these activities underscore your contribution to and importance in the community."
Pointing to the commitment of the GraceKennedy Group to philanthropy, Mr. Ranglin said, not only are giving and giving back to the society, heart-warming and gratifying practices, they are also a significant investment in the development of the nation and the nation's children in particular. "GK has operated on that premise for the last 91 years. Giving is a part of who we are as a company, and it has gained us loyalty not only here, but all around the world," noted Mr. Ranglin. "It's a very simple equation – when you are in a position to make a difference, and you actually take the time out to do that, your actions, as we would say, are 'paid forward'."
Bemoaning that too many Jamaican children are hungry or lacking in adequate nutrition, Mr. Ranglin passionately put forward that serious positive change in Jamaica, must begin with improving the lot of the nation's children. He encouraged more private sector groups and businesses to give a helping hand to needy children. "GraceKennedy and Kiwanis have in common the belief that fundamental change begins with our nation's children. As a company that passes on a lot of love in our food, we are also only too aware that too many of our children are hungry, and that impedes them from learning, We both are trying to do something about it, and I would encourage more groups and corporate entities to get involved, because we can never do too much," Mr. Ranglin stated.
Two of the organizations run by the GraceKennedy Group which have been assisting the economically and socially challenged children and their families are: the GraceKennedy Foundation and the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation.
Mr. Ranglin pointed out that there are many good things happening in Jamaica, including many philanthropic acts, which see many Jamaicans giving of themselves, so that others might benefit. He also reminded the audience, not to forget the social and economic challenges facing our nation, and to make their talents, time and resources available in addressing these challenges.
"Good things are happening in Jamaica. But we know there is also widespread poverty, there is great need and there is despair. Consider your volunteerism a lit candle in a dark time for many," asserted Mr. Ranglin. "Be proud of being an outstanding group of volunteers dedicated to changing the world."
The event was the eighth such of the Kiwanis Club of Westmoreland Capital and saw President Barrington Grey and his team of officers being installed.
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