Did you know that Rotarians have pledged to eradicate polio from the world, so that no child will ever have to suffer from this terrible disease, which can be prevented by vaccination? Since making this promise, Rotarians have donated funds to the End Polio program. This program is also supported by the the Gates Foundation, which contributes €2 for every €1 donated by a Rotarian. Thanks to this initiative, polio has nearly disappeared worldwide. However, this does not mean we can stop our work. Every day, new children are born who must be vaccinated in every country around the world.
The World Polio Day is observed on October 24, and this year Rotary clubs in areas 17 & 18 have been challenged to make a joint effort in support of the cause. If each Rotarian in the area donates €1 for every kilometer walked or run on that day, or around that time, we will raise a substantial sum. And if you run a marathon, even better. You can run alone or with others, and clubs can collect the funds together and forward them through MyRotary to Rotary International’s End Polio program.
In addition to running, we are organizing an End Polio Dinner at Kalastajatorppa’s Merisali on Friday, October 24, from 18:30 to 22:00. The dinner includes three courses, and during the evening Associate Professor Merja Roivainen will speak to us about the current status of polio. Places are limited, so please respond promptly to the invitation that will follow separately.
Let us act together for this important cause.
Sincerely,
The District 1420 Council
