Regional Rotary Clubs Join “Panhandling for Polio”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (07/27/2011)

PORTLAND – Polio eradication worldwide will be the goal when Rotary District 5100 (4,000 members in 75 clubs in northern Oregon and southwestern Washington) takes part in “Panhandling for Polio” September 10. Hundreds of volunteers, wearing red “End Polio Now” T‐shirts, will take to the streets, freeways, and public places to “beg” for donations aimed at Rotary International’s global polio eradication effort.

Launched by the Washington County Rotaract Club (young professional’s Rotary) in 2009, the project has gained support from the international Rotary community. As this September marks the second annual district wide Panhandling for Polio event, District 5100 Rotary, Rotaract and Interact clubs alike are excited to participate and once again raise funds for Polio Plus. “We’re very happy to have proved this project works, and to have the District’s support and participation,” said Washington County Rotaract Past President Josh Cox. Since 1985, Rotary International has led the global crusade to eliminate polio. The result is a world nearly free of this crippling disease. Only a few provinces in four countries remain. In response, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the major partners in this effort, has provided $355 million dollars and challenged Rotary to raise $200 million in matching funds. The resulting $555 million will directly support immunization campaigns in developing countries, where polio continues to infect and paralyze children.

As of May 31, 2011, Rotary worldwide has raised about $174.7 million towards the $200 million goal. Every dollar given to Polio Plus will be counted toward the $200 million match, which must be completed by June 30, 2012.

As the polio eradication effort closes in on the disease, the work becomes more difficult. Polio’s strongholds remain in the world’s poorest countries, many of which require greater levels of support to reach the goal. But as long as polio threatens even one child anywhere in the world, all children – wherever they live – remain at risk. For more information, panhandling locations, or to donate, visit: www.PanhandlingForPolio.com.

Contact:

Norb Murray

District 5100 Polio Chair

503‐570‐2767

503‐810‐2040 cell

norbmur@comcast.net

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