To celebrate International Kiwanis Week, members of local clubs said a friendly hello to morning commuters.

Kiwanis is a global organisation of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

On the morning of January 21, members of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton and Lieutenant Governor David Burgess, a member of the Kiwanis Club of St. George's stood with Johnny for a couple of hours and helped him greet early morning drivers.

"We joined Johnny, because we wanted to raise the profile of our organisation during International Kiwanis week," said Steve McMinn, secretary and treasurer of Kiwanis Club of Hamilton. "We face the same challenges as all charitable groups in adding new members, bringing new energy to our work and expanding our service to the community."

Members of the three Kiwanis Clubs on the Island also saw the activity as an opportunity for a joint initiative.

"Being with Johnny is a very positive experience, and people are obviously happy to see him — even early on a Monday morning," said Mr. McMinn. "Any organisation would gain from such exposure. We also felt good about supporting Johnny for at least one morning.

"We believe that we have been able to raise our profile. Kiwanians who are recognised and contacted by friends and co-workers can take the opportunity to explain Kiwanis."

The Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, the first Kiwanis Club in Bermuda, recently celebrated its 36th anniversary. The club runs a number of community events each year and participates in tag days for other charitable organisations.

Other major Kiwanis events include a food stall at the Annual Exhibition, a Christmas tea for senior citizens, and an annual fund-raising golf tournament.

They also sponsor Key Clubs (junior Kiwanis) at CedarBridge Academy and Berkeley Institute.