Since 1985, Rotary has contributed nearly $1.2 billion and countless volunteer hours to the protection of more than two billion children in 122 countries.    The disease remains endemic in three countries -- Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan -- although other countries remain at risk for imported cases.
 
A highly infectious disease, polio causes paralysis and is sometimes fatal.  As there is no cure, the best protection is prevention. For as little as US 60 cents worth of vaccine, a child can be protected against this crippling disease for life.  After an international investment of more than US$9 billion, and the successful engagement of over 200 countries and 20 million volunteers, polio could be the first human disease of the 21st century to be eradicated.
 
Polio crippled tens of thousands of Canadians until the Salk vaccine was introduced in 1955. Last known cases of Polio in Canada occurred in 1959.
 
Pictured here is our President presenting a cheque for $1,000 on behalf of the Club to Karen Oaks of Rotary Polio Plus at the Rotary District Conference on October 24,2016. Rotary donations for Polio eradication are matched 2 to 1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.