President’s Charity Event – Open Garden

Polio, a crippling disease of young children, has been nearly eradicated from the world due to a Rotary initiative in 1985. Today, the only two countries with reported cases of polio are Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the 1980’s there were about 1,000 cases of polio a day, this year, to date, there have only been 8 – what a fantastic success story.

However, the challenges of poor public infrastructure, geographical isolation, armed conflict and cultural barriers means that we still need to be vigilant. Until polio is eradicated, all countries remain at risk of outbreaks.

Rotary has therefore committed to raise $50 million per year over the next three years, with every dollar to be matched with two additional dollars from the Gates Foundation.  Every little bit helps, over the years Rotary has raised $1.6 billion. So, put the date in your diary now! Come along on the day and support this very worthy cause and do your bit to help eradicate polio.