The Kiwanis Cal-Nev-Ha Foundation was established in 1965 in response to the devastating floods in the Northern California town of Klamath. Looking for a way to give back, Kiwanians from across the Cal-Nev-Ha District pooled their funds to rebuild the town.
Our Foundation has grown to develop dedicated areas for distribution of support to the Kiwanis families of our District. Our programs include Pediatric Trauma – our major focus – as well as Club and Division Grants and Service Leadership Programs Scholarships & Leadership Training.
The Birth of a New Foundation
Kiwanis’ Golden Anniversary Year of 1965 dawned with great enthusiasm and well laid plans for a banner year of achievement, but an unexpected disaster resulted in a lasting accomplishment not even thought of at the time. Early in January, the Klamath River in Northern California, swollen from heavy rains, wiped out the town of Klamath. The devastation was complete and every member of the Kiwanis club lost his home or business, or both. Many Kiwanians and Kiwanis clubs reacted quickly with financial aid and Past Governor Frank Harmon assisted by channeling funds through the Kiwanis Club of Burbank Foundation. Read our complete history