MEMBER PROFILE - Kids Around the World

In 1994, Jim Rosene, Denny Johnson and other volunteers from Rockford built a playground for kids in Brovary, Ukraine, Rockford’s sister city and a suburb of Kiev.

That’s how the mission of Kids Around the World (KATW) began – the act of creating a place where kids can be kids, no matter where they grow up.

Now, almost 30 years later, Rosene is president emeritus of Kids Around the World and, with the help of countless volunteers and staff, the organization has constructed over 1000 playgrounds in more than 80 countries.

“Bringing hope to kids is what we do as an organization,” said Brian Wahl, regional director of mission advancement at Kids Around the World.

Tim Clauson, playgrounds director at the organization said, “We bring hope to the whole community, as well.”

Kids Around the World works with more than 100 park districts and school districts to recycle used play equipment as it is replaced with new equipment. Most of the used equipment is still functional, but may need a little refurbishment before being passed along to a new home.

Repairing and refurbishing the used playground equipment gives community volunteers and KATW staff the opportunity to learn skills like welding and fabricating. They also get experience packing the whimsical but mammoth structures into containers and coordinating shipment and installation throughout the world.

These reclaimed playgrounds, along with brand-new playgrounds purchased by donors and sponsors, are paired with international communities in need. Teams from KATW travel to install the playgrounds, working with volunteers and other local craftspeople. For many kids, this is the first playground they’ve ever encountered.

The mission doesn’t end with playground equipment. In 2008, KATW added their “One Meal” program. Volunteers assemble rice-based meals containing lentils, vegetables and vitamins that are sealed and ready to be made. They distribute these healthy meals to the kids they serve and the residents of the city.

Since the start of the program, over 60 million meals have been prepared and shipped to the communities that Kids Around the World serves.

“We have groups who come here to pack food all the time. It’s a great way to get started volunteering with our organization,” Wahl said.

On Sept. 23 and 24, Kids Around the World will host a meal-packing event at the UW Health Sports Factory. Their goal is to have 3000 volunteers, each working a two-hour shift, to pack one million meals.

You can see local playgrounds provided by Kids Around the World at Sinnissippi Park, Cherry Valley School, Constance Lane Elementary, Summerdale School and the North East Branch of the YMCA.

Visit www.kidsaroundtheworld.com to learn how to donate or volunteer.