Together, we can deliver a polio-free world for future generations

Did you know that when Rotary launched its PolioPlus program in 1985, polio affected over 350,000 children annually across 125 countries? Today, thanks to a decades-long commitment alongside global partners, global wild polio cases have dropped by 99.9%.

We are this close to making history by eradicating polio off the face of the earth forever. But almost isn't enough—until polio is wiped out everywhere, children everywhere remain at risk.

What are YOU doing to highlight World Polio Day this October 24th? You can make a donation where every dollar to Rotary's PolioPlus fund is matched 2:1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, tripling your impact. You can also wear red or purple on October 24th to show your support. Finally, you can purchase through our Club, “End Polio Now” wristbands @$5. Your donation is not limited to $5, you are welcome to donate as much as you want! 

• Purchase by etransfer rotaryogopogo5060@gmail.com
  **When completing your etransfer, please enter a note indicating how many wristbands purchased and that the donation is for the End Polio Now fundraiser.  All proceeds will go to fight polio and all proceeds will be matched $ for $ by one of the Rotary International Sponsors.  

• Retrieve your wristband(s) at our weekly meeting. 2 locations:

  • Every Wednesday (Except the 4th Wednesday of each month) - From 7:15am to 8:30am - @Deli City Cafe & Catering, 1889 Springfield Rd #111, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5V5
  • Every 4th Wednesday of the month - From 4:30pm to 5:45pm - @Spaces, The Innovation Centre, 460 Doyle Ave Unit 106, Kelowna, BC V1Y 0C2

Please consider donating to this great cause.

What is polio?
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a paralyzing and potentially deadly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of five. The virus spreads from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can then attack the nervous system.

End Polio Now
Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our members, Rotary has contributed more than US$2.9 billion in PolioPlus grants and countless volunteer hours to protect more than 3 billion children in 122 countries from this disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $11 billion to the effort.
Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.