Pumpkins for Polio
In October, Rotary Club of Campbell River had their 4th Annual Pumpkins for Polio Auction. The week before Rotarians had picked up their pumpkin after the meeting, took them home and used their fantasy and creativity to return them for the auction.
It was a spectacular sight to see those wonderful creations lined up. The members were brought in the right mood with a short video presentation by Bono (U2) followed by the “Pumpkins for Polio” song performed by Pieter Koeleman accompanied by Toni Fantillo on the accordion.
Then an enthused Todd Peachey started the auction. As usual he got the bidding going by stimulating, inspiring and sometimes appointing a bid to the members. In the mean time there was a lot of fun and fellowship.
Afterwards the proceeds totaled an amount of more than $2100 towards END POLIO NOW.
Two days later we had a 2nd Pumpkins for Polio auction, this time in the Campbell River Men’s Club. 26 Pumpkins were painted carved decorated by members of the CR Arts Council, some First Nations carvers. The proceeds were now $ 1900.
All the pumpkins were donated by Discovery Foods, Willow Point location and Coastal Black Farms in Black Creek.
The total proceeds are over $ 4000 and with the double matching by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as well by the Canadian Federal Government the RC of Campbell River will effectively contribute to the End Polio Now campaign more than $ 20,000.
Submitted by Pieter Koeleman
Chair End Polio Now Committee