October 24 is World Polio Day

Camden Rotary, Interact Club to host Purple Pinkie Campaign for Polio eradication

Sat, 10/19/2019 - 6:30pm

CAMDEN — 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, according to Camden Rotary Club, in a news release.

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 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. 

On October 19, Camden Rotarians hosted an information table in front of French & Brawn and accepted 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.

To see why Bill Gates supports Rotary’s work to eradicate polio, click here.

For more information about the Camden Rotary Club’s polio eradication efforts and how you can help, 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 Tuesdays, at noon, at the First Congregational Church, 55 Elm Street, Camden. Lunch will be available; contact Diane Lebson at dlebson@evergreenphilanthropy.com to register. 

For more information about the Camden Rotary Club, visit www.camdenrotary.org.