End Polio Now
The eradication of polio is one of Rotary’s longest standing and most significant efforts. In fact, it is the largest public health initiative the world has ever seen. And it was started by Rotarians. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things!
Today, eighteen million people around the world who would have died or been paralysed are alive and walking because of the polio eradication campaign.
It was back in the mid-1980’s that Rotarians set their sights on global polio eradication and persuaded the world’s most powerful organisations in the field of heath to join us. The result was the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and, with our partners, we have helped immunise more than 2.5 billion children against polio in 122 countries. We have reduced polio cases by 99.9% worldwide and we won't stop until we end the disease for good. Through PolioPlus, our fundraising campaign we have raised more than US$1.6 billion for polio eradication. Currently The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation match our PolioPlus fundraising 2:1.
Our district is been a strong supporter of PolioPlus for many years. Many clubs arrange fundraising events, often around World Polio Day on 24 October each year, some using Purple Pinkie and World’s Greatest Meal promotions. Our District Foundation Committee also donates a significant proportion of your District Designated Fund back to PolioPlus every year. In 2017, all New Zealand Districts received a total NZ$5 million payment from the NZ Government. This payment was divided between all NZ Districts and benefited from the Gates 2:1 matching.
The District 9930 PolioPlus Society
Polio eradication is nearly here! But the last bit is the hardest, and most expensive. To ensure every Rotarian has the opportunity to be part of this final push, the Rotary Foundation created the PolioPlus Society which we launched in District 9930 in 2023.
As a member of the PolioPlus Society, you would pledge to donate a minimum of US$100 each year until the world is certified polio-free. (In late 2024 that is about NZ$165* and, we hope to be polio free by 2026).
Joining the Society is a two-step process:
- Set up an AP to the District 9930 Trust account number 03 1552 0121120 01 for the equivalent of US$100. You can do this as a single payment or multiple payments, as long as they total at least US$100 over the year. Don't forget to put Polio, your club and your full name in the reference details.
- Then email d9930polioplus@gmail.com to advise us that you wish to be recognised as a PolioPlus Society member. By becoming a member and wearing the badge you are promoting Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio by raising awareness and, encouraging others to support the programme.
A Society pin can be presented at a club meeting. Your contributions will count towards your Foundation giving recognition (e.g. Paul Harris Fellow/Society/Major Donor). You can track personal (and club/district) contributions to the Rotary Foundation by signing into My Rotary and viewing your Donor History Report (My Rotary -> Rotary Foundation -> Foundation Reports -> Donor History Report. View Report).
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All polio giving continues to be matched 2:1 by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation so, your NZ$165* = US$100 + the 2:1 = US$300 = NZ$435!
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How did this happen? Rotary and the polio eradication timeline
This history of Polio and Rotary's role in taking on the challenge to eradicate this disease can been followed in this dramatic timeline. Click on the image above and follow Rotary's journey from a global pandemic spanning 135 countries to being on the verge of total eradication. Only Afghanistan and Pakistan remain... so close, but also a very critical final step to ensure a polio-free world for future generations.
Donations
Clubs and individuals are strongly encouraged to continue to contribute to PolioPlus.
Click here for the Multi Donor form
Once completed this form should be sent to Ross Pinkham the District Foundation Administrator: rotaryfoundation9930@gmail.com
All club and individual contributions are to be made to bank account: 03 1552 0121120 01 with the club or Rotarians name and Polio as the reference.
Clubs are asked to publicise their polio fundraising events, to not only showcase the work of their club but also raise awareness of the campaign demonstrating that Rotary is still fighting against the disease. Treasurers are encouraged to transfer donations before the end of May to ensure they are processed before the end of the Rotary year, 30 June.
Resources
End Polio Now is Rotary’s programme dedicated to raising awareness and funds for PolioPlus. Rotarians will find many resources for their fundraising efforts here. Send your advertising and photos to d9930polioplus@gmail.com so we can publicise your events and results at a District level.
The District 9930 Polio committee are happy to provide you with help and information. The committee are:
- Grant Spackman (Chair) RC Havelock North
- John Knowles RC Otūmoetai
- Ann Owen RC Katikati
