Submitted by Carla Wright, Publicity, Rotary Club of SJI

As we celebrate World Polio Day on Oct. 24, consider a donation to the Rotary’s PolioPlus Fund. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match Rotary’s commitment, two to one.

Rotary has contributed more than $1.7 billion to ending polio since 1985, including over $70,000 contributed by Rotary Club of San Juan Island.

Since Rotary International and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative nearly 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to just 37 cases in 2016.

To sustain this program, and protect all children from polio, Rotary members have committed to raising $50 million per year over the next three years in support of global polio eradication efforts. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk. Visit, portal.clubrunner.ca/1358 for more information on the local chapter.