Polio Plus Update - December 5, 2016

 

 
 

Let's meet this modest goal

By Carl Good III

Our districtwide goal is that each club can generate contribution to the PolioPlus Fund of at least $26.50 per member during the 2016-2017 Rotary year. which ends next June 30. We appeal to all 51 clubs to do their best to meet this modest goal.
 
Remember that contributions to the PolioPlus Fund during this year will count towards the “per-capita contribution to the Foundation” eligibility requirement for receiving District Grants and Global Grants during the ’17-’18 Rotary year, which begins next July 1. And, since that per-capita requirement is based on club membership as of next July 1, all collections from new members this year will add to the total – although the average will be based on the July 1 membership. So, we appeal to all members to contribute to Polio Plus and other Foundation funds.
 
If all clubs achieve this $26.50 per-member goal for Polio Plus contributions, the total collection from the 1,455 Rotarians in District 7910 would exceed $38,550. As you are all aware, contributions to the Polio Plus Fund continue to be matched 2-to-1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Thus, Rotary’s fight against polio would receive more than $115,600 through the contribution of our district’s Rotarians.
 
The Polio Plus Fund is used to buy vaccine for the National Immunization Days around the world, among other uses. I have had the privilege of participating in Rotary missions to Bangladesh, Kenya and Nigeria. Last week, a number of friends from past missions were in Nigeria, immunizing children against polio. To visit the Facebook page of Dino Marzaro, a Canadian Rotarian who has been on many missions, including one with me, click here.
 
Participants pay their own way, so contributions are largely utilized only for the vaccination process and fighting polio but not to cover the expenses of the individual Rotarians who participate in the immunization drive. These missions are extremely rewarding on a personal basis and I heartily recommend participating.
 
Let's get this done.
 
Virtual-reality films bring a new dimension to polio fight  
 
At this year’s World Polio Day celebration in Atlanta, Rotary harnessed the power of virtual-reality technology to build empathy and inspire action in our fight to eradicate polio.
 
Learn more about the films, click here.
 
To watch the video of World Polio Day in Atlanta, click here.
 
If you are had an event for World Polio Day (or Week), please send me a brief description. We are keeping track of the events. 
 
 
Carl Good III, chair of the District Polio Subcommittee, may be reached at carlgood@yahoo.com.