On Wednesday, October 24 the Rotary Club of Collie will be marking international World Polio Day.
Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to just 22 cases in 2017.
To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, Rotary has committed to raising US$50 million per year in support of global polio eradication efforts.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation match Rotary’s commitment $2 for every $1 raised.
Members from the Rotary Club of Collie make an annual contribution to help eradicate this disease.
Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk.
Rotary District Governor and Rotary Club of Collie Member Robyn Yates will be shaving her hair to raise funds to eradicate polio.
DG Robyn will complete the shave following the Rotary district conference, which is being held in Collie in March next year.
“I would like all Clubs and even individual members, to consider making a donation to continue eradication efforts; don’t forget, we need to be Polio free for three years before we can announce that, finally, the world is Polio Free,” she said.
“To entice your contributions I have decided to do something a little extreme in anticipation of the funds that will be raised. Next year at the District Conference Governor’s Gala Dinner in Collie on Saturday, March 23 I will shave my head. I trust this will be an incentive for you to support the Polio eradication programme.”
