Rotary Lights up Kansas City to Eradicate Polio Worldwide on World Polio Day, October 24, 2018
On Wednesday, October 24, Rotary clubs in Kansas City will illuminate the exterior of the Marriott hotel at 200 West 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105, with the humanitarian service organization's dramatic pledge to End Polio Now. The message will be displayed on the edifice beginning at sunset on Wednesday, October 24.
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Rotary members in the Kansas City region are among millions worldwide who are reaching out on World Polio Day to raise awareness, funds and support to end polio – a vaccine preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today.
"This is one day with one focus for Rotarians all over the world," said Rotary District 6040 Governor, Julie McCoy. "The End Polio Now message is Rotary's promise to the children of the world."
Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to just 22 cases in 2017. Rotary has contributed more than US$1.8 billion to ending polio since 1985. To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, Rotary has committed to raising US$50 million per year in support of global polio eradication efforts. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match Rotary's commitment 2:1. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk.
About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Visit endpolio.org for more about Rotary and its efforts to eradicate polio.
SOURCE Rotary International
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