Dear Editor,
The world has been fighting polio for almost 70 years, beating it back to tiny final reservoirs in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The goal is to at last eradicate this terrible, incurable disease as we did smallpox, and it’s within our reach.
Canadians tend to be complacent about infectious diseases “over there”, believing borders will protect them, yet AIDS, SARS, and numerous other diseases show this to be a false sense of security.
And despite decades-long efforts, new polio cases suddenly appeared this fall in the Philippines and just now in Malaysia, a huge distance away from known sources.
As long as it exists the disease can suddenly erupt and spread anywhere, even to countries like Canada, where so many increasingly refuse vaccinations.
Our grandparents will remember the dread of polio, perhaps even knew a victim. Unlike them, we have a choice: the agencies responsible are heading a massive push to destroy this virus once and for all, but need money.
It’s critical that Mr. Trudeau pledges Canada’s share of funding to complete this critical task.
Oliver Mark
Saanich, B.C.
Dear Editor,
Once again this year, I express my gratitude and thanks for the delightful gifts received from the E. Fry Society in Ashcroft at Christmas.
The TLC that went into those packages of shortbread, cakes, and other confections was a more than evident reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a caring community.
The slippers fit just right, and the fluffy throw couldn’t have been more warming while watching TV at night. Tanner was delighted with the toys and tossed them around.
A dozen “thank you”s wouldn’t be enough.
Esther Darlington
Ashcroft, B.C.
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