Polio eradication has been Rotary’s top priority since 1985, with more than $1.2 billion contributed to the effort to date. This funding and the hands-on volunteering by Rotarians at immunization days has helped bring about a 99% decline in the number of polio cases and eradicated it from all but 4 countries. However, whilst there are still people being infected by this terrible disease the world will not be safe from its debilitating effects.
The Gates Foundation has pledged a further US$255 million to the challenge, taking the total donation from the foundation to US$355. But this does not come free, Rotary International must raise US$200 million dollars by 30th June 2012 to match this grant. The participation of Rotary clubs and individual Rotarians in Rotary’s US$200 Million Challenge remains crucial to its success.
Rotary has raised nearly US$73 million toward this amount. But Rotaractors around the world can do their bit too.
You have a unique opportunity to be involved in the eradication of polio and the chance to work together with others in the Rotary family to fulfil the Rotary commitment to the children of the world.
The 2008-09 Rotary International Rotaract Committee have asked each Rotaract Club to raise US$100 per year for 2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11 by doing some simple fundraisers.
Rotaract clubs reaching the annual US$100 goal will receive a certificate from Rotary International at the end of the year.