Polio cases continue to decline. 2017 had 22 cases, down from 37 in 2016. For 2018, there have been 3 cases in Afghanistan. Currently, District 5010 leads the way with contributing 20% of our DDF Funding to PolioPlus. Also, with combining the district’s $35,000 check with individual clubs’ contributions so far, we rank 3rd in our zone for per capita giving.
Noteworthy is that only 8 clubs have met or exceeded the RI Challenge of $1500 per club. Additionally, 40% of our clubs (that’s 16 clubs) have contributed nothing to PolioPlus this year. It is critical we have all clubs on board if we are going to meet RI’s funding commitment of $50,000,000 each year for 3 years and take advantage of the Gates Foundation 2 for 1 match.
Our leading club, from Juneau-Gastineau, contributed $7,260 to PolioPlus so far. In fact, the Juneau clubs are our true polio champions with Juneau-Glacier Valley ranking 3rd with over $6,800. Fairbanks Club is 2nd with $7,150. E-Club is the top club for per capita giving at over $254 per person! And a special shout out to Whitehorse who have contributed almost $1,400 in a club with only 24 members.
Please attend the District Conference in Seward where on May 19th, we will celebrate our district’s accomplishments and will honor a long time PolioPlus Champion and fighter of the disease, John Diesher. There will be plenty of food, fun and dancing as we continue the countdown towards making polio history.