We are "this close". Thanks to you.As you know, one of Rotary's goals is to eradicate polio. As of the end of October there have been only 12 new cases of wild polio in the world in 2017. That's down from 37 in 2016 and 74 in 2015. Thirty years ago there were 350,000 cases a year. The countdown to eradication is truly upon us.
But we still need your help. The final push to eradicate will cost US$1.5 Billion and to support that financial target Rotary International has pledged to raise $US 50 Million a year for the next three years.
Tuesday October 24 was World Polio Day.
Across the Rotary world there were celebrations, fundraisers and activities. But right here at home in District 7820 there were a number of special events to mark the occasion. For example, the St. John's East Rotary Club held a "Pints for Polio" fundraiser at the Qudi Vidi Brewery. It was a sold out event and raised thousands to END POLIO NOW. The E-Club of Atlantic Canada spearheaded an On-line World Polio Day event that started in the Atlantic and went across Canada with regional E-Clubs and special guests joining the meeting as each time zone reached 7 PM! What a great idea to raise awareness and money!
The Rotary Club of New Minas Sunrise had its county proclaim World Polio Day and the Rotary Club of Truro held a "Get to Know Rotary Day" and promoted World Polio Day as well. And many other clubs in our District supported World Polio Day in their own way.
World Polio Day may be over, but that is no reason for you or your club to do nothing until next year. Continue to raise awareness and raise funds to help eradicate polio. Encourage your club to make its own donation. Or, consider making your own personal donation to Polio Plus. Check our http://endpolio.org for more ideas on raising awareness, fundraising ideas and up-to-date information.
Please let our District Polio Coordinator, Tom Campbell, know what your club has done or plans to do to help eradicate polio. tom@afj.life
We really are "this close"!