Rotary Celebrates World Polio Day

ROTARY CELEBRATES WORLD POLIO DAY – WITH PURPLE CROCUS

Back in 1985 when the Salk vaccine became readily available Rotary made a promise to the world’s children - that it would free the world from the scourge of polio.

At time Polio was endemic in virtually every country across the globe with some 400,000 new cases annually. Polio killed large numbers and left others with life-changing disabilities. Working in partnership with the WHO, UNICEF and other global health agencies, Rotary International has contributed some $2 billion in cash and, for much of the past 10 years, matched $2 for $1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Rotary has also provided countless volunteers to assist in the distribution of the vaccine particularly in the developing world so that, as of this year, polio remains endemic in just two countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan) and the number of new cases is well below 200. Earlier this year the whole of Africa was declared free.

To celebrate this global Rotary initiative and to publicise the ongoing programme towards complete eradication Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club bought some 4,000 crocus corms to be planted within our communities. The chosen crocus colour is purple – the same colour used when immunising children to show, by dipping their little finger in purple dye, when they have received the vaccine.

Pupils from Stanton Drew Primary School - Planting the corms

This is the fourth year when quantities of the crocus corms have been supplied for planting in our local communities. They have been allocated to Farrington Village; Paulton Town; Pensford Village; Pensford School; Stanton Drew School; Stanton Wick; and Temple Cloud Village. We look forward to seeing displays of purple flowers in the early Spring and give thanks to everyone who has supported our Rotary Club since we began serving our local communities 33 years ago.
Although our traditional Tuesday evening meetings at the Carpenters Arms, Stanton Wick, have had to change to virtual meetings on Zoom, we continue to ‘do our bit’ to respond to local, national and international needs. We also realise that the desire to support each other is alive and well in the Chew Valley and beyond. Rotary’s guiding principle is ‘Service above Self’ and, for those who might wish to continue their volunteering after Covid-19, our local Rotary Club would love to hear from you. See: https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1649

Prepared by Rtn Hugo Pike, Rotary Foundation Chair, Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge