Rotary Club members in Whitewater and throughout the world are taking action to raise awareness, funds and support to end polio, a vaccine-preventable paralyzing disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today. Rotary Clubs throughout the world launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative more than three decades ago. At that time polio paralyzed 1,000 children every day. With the help of global partnerships, polio cases have dropped from 350,000 cases of wild polio virus 1988 to 33 cases in 2018, a reduction of 99.9%. These 33 cases were reported in two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. With polio nearly eradicated, Rotary must and will sustain the commitment to reach every child with the polio vaccine or risk the return of this debilitating disease.
Since 1985 Rotary has committed $50 million each year to support global polio eradication.
The Bill and Linda Gates Foundation has pledged to match that amount 2 to 1 for a total contribution of $150 million annually. Since 1985, Rotary has contributed more than $1.9 billion.
The Whitewater Rotary Club invites you to join them on Wednesday, 11/6 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Culver’s Restaurant in Whitewater. Culver’s will contribute a percentage of sales that evening that will be matched by the Whitewater Rotary Club. That amount will be matched 2 to 1 by the Bill and Linda Gates Foundation.
Rotary International is a global network of 1.2 million members in more than 200 countries who unite to create lasting change in communities and countries around the world. For more than 110 years Rotary’s members have used their passion, energy and resources to improve lives through service. The motto “Service Above Self” is used by Rotarians each day in their personal and professional lives. From community projects and providing local scholarships to supporting literacy and peace to providing clean water and better health care, Rotary members are always working to improve the world.
Members of Whitewater Rotary Club and Culver’s Restaurant invite you to join them on Wednesday, November 6 for an evening of good food and fellowship. Your support can and will make a difference.
For more information visit: http://www.endpolio.org and www.whitewaterrotary.org
