FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 18, 2019 (Camden, Maine) – Rotary International has designated October 24 as World Polio Day, a campaign to eradicate a disease caused by a virus that can result in incurable paralysis. This date was selected to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against polio. Historically, millions worldwide have died from polio; today, only three polio-endemic countries remain: Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

On the Midcoast, Rotary clubs are leading efforts to raise funds and awareness to eradicate the disease from the world. On October 19, Camden Rotarians will be hosting an information table in front of French & Brawn and accepting donations that will be matched 3:1, with a 2:1 match from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and a 1:1 match from Rotary International.

On October 24, Camden Rotarians will partner with the Interact Club at Camden Hills Regional High School (an international youth-focused service club operating under Rotary auspices). On that day, students and Rotarians will promote the Purple Pinkie Campaign, an event to raise funds and awareness for Rotary’s efforts to end polio now. The campaign is named after the process that identifies children who have received the polio vaccine by dipping their pinkies in purple ink. 

To see why Bill Gates supports Rotary’s work to eradicate polio, please click here. For more information about the Camden Rotary Club’s polio eradication efforts and how you can help, please contact Barry Timms at bgtimms@gmail.com.

About the Camden Rotary Club. Since 2011, the Camden Rotary Club has invested $202,500 in the community via its grants to nonprofit organizations in Knox County and Lincolnville. The Club has also invested in local students by awarding $104,000 in scholarships since 2017. Members of the public are invited to attend the Camden Rotary Club’s weekly meetings at noon on Tuesdays, at the First Congregational Church, 55 Elm Street, Camden. Lunch will be available; please contact Diane Lebson at dlebson@evergreenphilanthropy.com to register. For more information about the Camden Rotary Club, please visit www.camdenrotary.org.

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Press Contact: Diane Lebson, dlebson@evergreenphilanthropy.com, 202-450-0978