Global virus pandemics are not new. Before vaccines were developed for polio in the 1950s, parents were gripped by terror: over 1,000 children were dying or being paralysed each day.
Now, polio is a distant memory in most countries, but it persists in a few. https://youtu.be/hR1f-ejMcGU
The problem is that until we completely eradicate the poliovirus, children everywhere remain at risk.
In the past our District 9800 has organised public events on World Polio Day 24 October. However due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in particular Victoria’s lockdown, such events are not possible. But there is an alternative which has grown from a simple idea to encompass Rotary Clubs across Australia and New Zealand. And I believe there are also Rotarians in Hawaii get on board according to End Polio Ambassador, Kitty O’Connor.
Alongside Past RI Presidents, Directors and Rotarians from across Australia and New Zealand, Rotarians and their friends are invited to join a challenge this year to honour the life of Past RI President, Sir Clem Renouf, Rotary’s original Polio campaigner.
So let’s get a Rotary Glenferrie team together and Walk for Those who Can’t in the month of October. If you are interested, contact cheryl@inmyhouse.com.au or for more information: