World Polio Day — October 24 — is an opportunity for every Rotary and Rotaract club to help raise awareness, generate support and remind our communities that the fight to End Polio Now is not over.Established by Rotary International to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Jonas Salk, whose team developed one of the first successful polio vaccines, World Polio Day has become a global day of action and awareness for polio eradication.
So, what are we doing here in District 7090?
Paddle for Polio
On August 22, District 7090 held its 4th Annual Paddle for Polio at Mutual Riverfront Park in Buffalo, New York. Many thanks to organizer and Past District Governor Scott Marcin.
It was another fun morning on the water, with participants in kayaks, canoes and paddleboards getting a little wet while raising funds for The Rotary Foundation's PolioPlus Fund and increasing awareness of Rotary and its partners' efforts to bring us closer to a polio-free world.
Poker Run Bike Ride to End Polio
On September 26, the Rotary Club of Amherst South hosted its Poker Run Bike Ride to End Polio at Ellicott Creek Trailways Park in Amherst, New York. Rotarians, friends and supporters enjoyed a morning of cycling and fun while raising funds for PolioPlus.
The 7th Annual Dr. Ron Mergl Memorial RideDistrict 7090 also hosted another Participate for Polio event on September 26 — the 7th Annual Dr. Ron Mergl Memorial Ride. Rotarians, family and friends came together for an enjoyable day of cycling and fellowship in memory of Dr. Ron Mergl and in support of PolioPlus. There were even prizes for participants!
The fundraiser remains open, so it's not too late to support this year's ride. Donate to the Dr. Ron Mergl Memorial Ride
World Polio Day at Hamilton Stadium
On October 24 at 3:00 p.m., we'll be gathering at Hamilton Stadium as the Tiger-Cats take on the Ottawa Redblacks. Once again, we'll have a clubhouse venue with premium seating — a great opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of football, Rotary fellowship and World Polio Day together.
All are welcome!
Lighting Up Niagara FallsOn the evening of October 24th, shortly after 10:00 p.m., we're lighting up Niagara Falls in Rotary's End Polio Now colours — blue, yellow and purple — in recognition of World Polio Day. You can watch the Falls from anywhere through the live camera: Watch the Niagara Falls live camera
And the Peace Bridge between Fort Erie and Buffalo will also be illuminated in Rotary colours in honour of World Polio Day!
What Can Your Club Do?
You don't need a large event, a big budget or complicated logistics to make a difference.
Small, simple and easy-to-organize activities can generate meaningful support for PolioPlus while keeping Rotary's commitment to a polio-free world visible in your community.
Rotary International has resources to help clubs plan World Polio Day activities and raise awareness and funds for PolioPlus. Explore Rotary's World Polio Day event-planning guide
Join the Team End Polio Movement Challenge
One easy way to participate is through the Team End Polio Movement Challenge on Strava. The challenge encourages people around the world to get moving and collectively work toward 60 million minutes of movement by October 24 — World Polio Day.
You can participate individually or encourage your club members and friends to join. Every minute of movement helps build momentum and awareness for the fight against polio. Join the Team End Polio Movement Challenge
Don't Forget to Register Your World Polio Day Activity
Whatever your club decides to do, please register your World Polio Day event or activity to End Polio. Registering helps showcase the incredible work being done by Rotary and Rotaract clubs around the world and helps us demonstrate the strength of Rotary's commitment to polio eradication. Register your World Polio Day event
A Special Reminder for PolioPlus Society Members
A US$100 donation to the PolioPlus Fund is a wonderful way for current District 7090 PolioPlus Society members to fulfil their annual commitment — and it's also an opportunity for Rotarians who have not yet joined the Society to become members.
If you have questions about the PolioPlus Society, World Polio Day activities, or how your club can support End Polio Now, please get in touch.
District 7090 End Polio Co-chairs
Frank Adamson
fadamson@vaxxine.com
fadamson@vaxxine.com