Rotary members in Duluth, Georgia gathered together to reach out, raise awareness, funds and support to end polio – a vaccine preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today.
Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative nearly 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to 26 confirmed as of Sept. 19, 2016. To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, experts say $1.5 billion is urgently needed. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk.
The Gwinnett Mosaic Rotary Club along with 5 other Rotary and Interact Clubs joined together in service and fellowship at the “Bowlio for Polio” fundraising event to help End Polio Now!
Rotary has contributed more than $1.6 billion to ending polio since 1985. The “Bowlio for Polio” event raised $4,000 which is matched with a contribution from the Gates Foundation to total $12,000.
Submitted by Jennifer Hibbard - Rotary Club of Gwinnett County, Club Secretary
