 The 4-way Test-Of the things we think, say or do 1. Is it the TRUTH? | 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? | 4.Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? |
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END POLIO NOW PLEDGE
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 Rotary marks progress in drive to eradicate polioDespite economic challenges, donations exceed expectations Funding gap for 2009-2010 is US$345 million For a contribution form, click here. |
23 June 2009– ... Rotary International today announced that it has raised US$90.7 million toward its US$200 Million Challenge, a fundraising effort supporting crucial polio eradication activities.  Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Jonathan Majiyagbe announced the new figure ....“I am extremely grateful and proud to be a part of such an impressive alliance,” said Farrow.” I perhaps am more motivated than most people because I had polio myself when I was nine, and .... I would love to see the day when no more children have it.”.... The funds announced today will be used to match a US$350 million challenge grant recently awarded to Rotary by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – a funding agreement that will provide US$555 million to the global health initiative within the next three years. .... Since 1985, when polio paralyzed more than 350,000 children in 125 countries every year, ending polio has been Rotary’s top philanthropic goal. Since then, polio cases have been slashed by 99 percent worldwide, with fewer than 2,000 in 2008, and just four countries remain polio-endemic: Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan..... Rotary has contributed more than US$800 million and countless volunteer hours to the protection of more than two billion children in 122 countries. Yet the Initiative currently faces a funding gap for 2009-2010 of US$345 million. .... “We hope that the commitment from the private sector will challenge other donors to step up and make sure we have the resources needed to eradicate polio, ....” Read more. For a contribution form, click here. |
Rick reminded the club of polio back in the 1940’s and 50’s. He described how Polio quarantined people from society by not allowing children affected in the schools, restricting polio victims from using swimming pools, restricted attendance at special events, and many other forms of segregation. He also reminded the club of the Iron Lung that was often used for severe cases of Polio. The Gates Foundation donated 100 million dollars toward the Polio Eradication project that was started by Rotary International. The program has been viewed as a huge success. However, some countries such as Pakistan , Afghanistan India Nigeria , and a few more continue to deal with the disease. Rick reported that as of June 30th there were 300 cases of polio in Nigeria 75 to 100 cases in India , less than 25 in Pakistan , les than 15 in , and almost 100 cases in a few other countries. Some areas have been difficult to reach because of fears that the vaccine might somehow hurt people and political unrest in some of the countries. The Polio Plus project has begun to use more locals to distribute the vaccine in Northern Nigeria because Americans are often targeted for kidnapping. Historically it has also been difficult to get into some of the Islamic areas of the world. To date the Rotary International has raised 90 million dollars for the Polio Plus program. Rotary U.S. has a 200 million dollar challenge for the purpose of finishing the job that was started in 1985. Over the course of the next 3 years, each club in the United States is asked to commit $1,000 per year for Polio Plus. Rick made reference to some communities who have established special programs to raise funds for Polio Plus. He described one program that involves Polio survivors appealing to the community for support. Rick also informed that club that anyone can make a one time donation to Polio Plus by texting “polio” or dialing 90999 to make a $5 donation. Rick suggested that sometimes it is hard to send money to far away places, but reminded to club that we are helping kid have a better life by preventing the physical stigma of Polio. Dennis Swetlik commented after the presentation that he would kick off the Two Rivers Rotary commitment to the Polio Plus effort by contributing $500 per year (3 years) toward the project and challenged his fellow Rotarians to give generously to the cause. For a contribution form, click here. |
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Rotary and Gates Foundation announce US$355 million for polio eradication initiative |
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Two Rivers Rotary Club • P.O. Box 272 • Two Rivers WI 54241-0272
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