Established by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to raise awareness of polio eradication, the date was picked in recognition of the birthdate of Jonas Salk, the creator of the first polio vaccine. Curiously Salk’s birthdate is on October 18.
This is a great time to rally Rotarians, friends, and the community to support the cause. It is an opportunity to create or increase awareness and raise funds for polio eradication.
It can be as simple of dedicating your club meeting to polio or having an article in the local news publication or social media. Fundraising ideas are endless, only limited by your imagination. It could be something within the club, such as dedicating fines collected during the week. A pool based on the outcome of football season. On a much grander scale is the El Tour de Tucson bicycle ride put on by District 5500 in Tucson, Arizona. In its 39th year, it is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving and will have as many as 6,500 riders. Clubs and districts around the country have taken the idea to hold similar rides, some using stationary bikes in a local fitness facility. District 5230 in central California is having a “RUNWALKRIDE” across the Golden Gate Bridge. Several clubs hold “Pints for Polio” beer or wine-tasting events; I have a “101 Fund Raising Ideas” pamphlet put out by the Rotary Club of Murray, Kentucky. If you would like a copy, email me and I’ll send it.
The following are links to resources for information concerning polio eradication and World Polio Day:
- Link to Rotary’s main webpage for PolioPlus
- Link for ideas for World Polio Day
- Link to Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the partnership created for polio eradication
