Rotary Works To Eradicate Polio

In 1985, Rotary International launched “PolioPlus,” a campaign to eliminate the polio virus from the face of the earth by the year 2005, the 100th anniversary of Rotary’s founding, in one of the most ambitious humanitarian efforts undertaken by a private sector organization.

 Rotary’s PolioPlus campaign was the catalyst for the World Health Assembly’s resolution in 1988 to eradicate polio. Today, due in large part to Rotary’s commitment and its leadership in mobilizing volunteers through out the world, the world is on the threshold of eradicating the polio virus.  

Great progress has been made. Only seven countries remain polio endemic. The number of cases worldwide has decreased 99 percent since 1985.

The greatest obstacle to victory is adequate funding — a $275 million shortfall must be overcome in the period 2003–05. For this reason, the Rotary International Board of Directors and the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation unanimously decided to launch a one-year campaign to help fill the funding gap, seeking $80 million in cash and pledges during the period  July 1, 2002. through  June 30, 2003 (with pledges to be paid over a three-year period). Rotary Clubs throughout the world so far have pledged $88.5 million. It is now up to the Rotary Clubs to conduct fundraisers to ensure that this pledge is met.

The funds pledged are in addition to the $500 million that Rotary Clubs have already committed to polio eradication since 1985, when Rotary launched its first fundraising drive with the goal of $120 million — an amount that Rotary more than doubled by the end of that campaign. The success of the current campaign would not have been possible without the enthusiasm and support of the many clubs that have sent their commitments. Clubs in 117 countries have supported the campaign.

It is not too late for everyone to participate in the campaign by joining Rotarians in fulfilling their promise. Newtown Rotary Club members are asking the community to help by donating to the Newtown Rotary Club Polio Eradication Fund. Large or small donations are welcome. Contact Bill Caldrara at 203-431-7575 or Brian Amey at 426-6605 or send a contribution to the Newtown Rotary Club Foundation, PO Box 263, Newtown, CT 06470.

Currently Newtown Rotary is in the middle of a fundraiser to fulfill its commitment. The organization is raffling a Harvey Davidson 100th Anniversary Addition, Model FLWSTCI, Motorcycle. Only 500 tickets will be sold, and the raffle will be held on September 1at The Pleasance on the corner of Routes 25 and 302 in Newtown. Anyone interested in obtaining a ticket is urged to call Bill Calderara at 426-9634 or Ken Cohen at 270-9760.