Does Rotary make a difference?

 

Madison South Rotarian Randy Sproule says "ask the 17 million children who are alive, running, and playing with friends" who without intervention would have been paralyzed by polio.  "Ask their families."  In recognition of Polio day next Wednesday, Randy recounted how Rotarians worldwide rose to the challenge of purchasing and distributing polio vaccine to the world's children beginning in 1985.  Rotary volunteers went door to door and boat to boat.  Today there are less than 20 cases in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria, but the disease is only a plane ride away.  Every child needs to be vaccinated until complete eradication of this disease.  Supported by the Bill and Linda Gates Foundation's 2 to 1 matching grant, this goal can be achieved.   Once polio is eradicated, the $7.5 billion spent every year on polio will be freed up to tackle other world challenges.  Rotary makes a difference.