The eradication of polio around
the world is a passion of the Rotary Club
of 100 Mile House
and Rotary International.
“Polio vaccine is about 70 cents a dose, so for less than a dollar you can save a kids life,” says Rotarian Stephen Pellizzari.
Rotary members from around the world volunteer, visit the countries and help administer the vaccine, he adds.
“Hopefully by 2012, we can say that it is completely eradicated. Rotary is unique with their efforts and we came extremely close.”
When Rotary International started the polio program, this disease affected more than 350,000 children worldwide, but in 2008, fewer than 2,000 children were infected.
To help with these efforts, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently awarded $255 million US to Rotary International in the effort to eradicate polio.
“Who wants to say no to $255 million,” Pellizzari says, adding that in response to the grant Rotary International will raise $100 million in matching funds.
“Last year, we raised $3,800 here in 100 Mile House, that’s huge for our little community.”
The money raised was doubled, Pellizzari adds, with the match from the Gates Foundation.
“Some money came from local businesses that donated money to Loonies for Life instead of buying chocolates at Christmas for the staff tables.”
Most of the money raised goes towards the polio campaign, very little of it goes towards administration costs, he explains.
“We’ve re-coined the phrase Pennies for Polio to Loonies for Life, and we
take folding money, too.”
People are welcome to donate to any local Rotarian, the Williams Lake & District Credit
Union — 100 Mile House, CIBC bank or any location of the HUB International Barton Insurance Brokers.
For more information, contact Pellizzari at 250-395-4545 or talk to any local Rotarian.
