Posted by Sam McCurdy
Saturday 24th October was designated as World Polio Day. Polio is a paralysing and potentially deadly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. The virus spreads from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can then attack the nervous system.
Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years. Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Their goal of ridding the world of the disease is closer than ever. Recently, the African Region has been declared polio-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
As you would be aware from previous articles, Rotary organised a “Walk with us” event for the month of October, to raise much needed funds to continue the fight to end polio. Our Club met the challenge forming a team of ten sturdy Rotarians which they called the Berwick Boomers and Shakers. The team members identified below, set out to walk personal target distances during October, for which they sought sponsorship to raise vital funds.
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Although three members of the team did not record their achievements, the other seven walked on average approximately 179 kms during October. Needless to say our President set the benchmark walking 307 kms. No wonder he is so fit!
In all, forty-four teams took part in the local District event and together they raised a total of $93,099. Our team raised a total of $4,080 and were placed sixth on the Team Leader Board. The top team was the Rotary Club of Hawthorn, who raised an impressive $9,624.
Well done to all involved in the event. Thank you PP Mark Caulfield for getting us involved and being our Polio Champion.