From Friday 16th August to Sunday 17th August Rotarians in District 1270 will be rising to the Gates Foundation $100 million Challenge to eradicate polio worldwide.  A variety of fund raising events have been organised from street collections to camping and musical entertainment to walking.   

It was in 1985 when Rotary made the historic decision to immunize the world’s children against polio.  3 years later in 1988 Rotary became the spearheading partner in the Global Eradication Initiative, along with the World Health Organisation, UNICEF and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Since then, more than 1 million Rotarians worldwide have donated their time and resources to help immunize more than 2 billion children in 122 countries. 

Two local Rotarians former nurse, Denise Lawson and local businessman, Robin Mason have participated in national immunization days in India. Denise stated   “I wanted to experience at first hand the wonderful work of Rotary - it is one of the most satisfying things I have ever done and I would not hesitate to do it again”.  Both stress the importance of eradicating this disease and urge the public to come and support the local Rotary Clubs in their endeavours to raise the much needed funds.  Robin reports “I was honoured to have the opportunity to be involved.  Rotary is determined to rise to the challenge to eradicate polio worldwide and we hope people will support us in our aims. ”

To find out what is happening in your area please go to the events diary.