Throughout the month of October a Caroline Springs Rotary fundraiser generated enough money to provide more than 3,300 polio vaccines for those in need.
From October 1 to 31, Rotary invited the public to “walk with us for those who can’t”.
Participants were sponsored to walk either 10, 20 or 50 kilometres throughout October to raise vital funds that will help eradicate and prepare for a polio free world.
Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease. There is no cure, but there are safe and effective vaccines. The strategy to eradicate polio is therefore based on preventing infection by immunising every child until transmission stops and the world is polio-free.
Caroline Springs Rotary Club member Ronald Moss said for more than 20 years Rotary clubs around the world have been walking in the month of October to put an end to polio.
“Whilst Australia is considered free from polio, countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan still have to fight this disease daily,” he said.
“A simple vaccine has helped save many and eradicated polio in most countries except these two.
“The number of cases there has been reduced dramatically by the dedicated volunteers who often go through all sorts of weather and in poor conditions to give this life saving vaccine.”
World Polio day fell on 24 Oct but it’s not too late to support Rotary’s fundraiser.
Details: www.rotarywalkwithus.org/st/136/922
