$2,628.90 raised at the Train Ride to End Polio - 24 October 2019
Poliomyelitis (‘polio’) is one of many childhood diseases that have been eradicated from Australia thanks to free accessible vaccination programs. The virus is spread through contaminated water sources and most cases of disease are identified in children less than 5 years of age. Polio virus attacks the nervous system leading to disability, pain and in worst cases paralysis and death. As long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of contracting polio.
Failure to eradicate polio from the remaining endemic countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan) could result in as many as 200 000 new cases every year all over the world. Since 1985 Rotary International has played an important role as a partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative raising more than $1.9 billion to end polio.
On October 24 each year, Rotarian’s take action to remind the public that together it is an achievable goal. This year Rotary Elizabeth Quay invited members of District 9455 to take part in the Train Ride to End Polio.
Supported by
North Metropolitan Public Health Unit
Supported by staff from the North Metropolitan Public Health Unit Rotarian’s rode city-bound trains speaking to passengers about the challenges and ongoing effort of the end polio campaign.
Over $800 was collected from commuters from 7-9am, a figure that will be matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Taking to the streets and engaging with members of the public not only ensures that Rotary remains relevant but it demonstrates the core value of service above self.
“It’s no skin off my nose to chat to passengers about polio on the commute to work, or convince a few to donate to such a worthy cause”
Rotary International continues to raise $50 million per annum for PolioPlus. More information is available here https://www.endpolio.org/
- The promo video which was launched in the lead up to the Train Ride to End Polio
By Alex Truelove