The question is why did Rotary International establish October 24 as World Polio Day? Since 1986, Rotarians have been fighting this feared disease trying to eradicate it from the earth. Even though there have been a few more cases this year and the global pandemic has greatly slowed Rotary’s immunization attempts, there are only two countries in the world which still have poliomyelitis—Pakistan and Afghanistan.
So why October 24? That was the day Jonas Salk was born. He developed the first polio vaccine which stopped polio in the United States. Until that time, parents feared that their children would be stricken with this feared disease which could cause paralysis and sometimes even death. Several members of our club are polio survivors.
In celebration of World Polio Day, there is a telethon featuring RI President Holger Knaack, Dr. Peter Salk (the son of Jonas Salk), and others. There will be music and an auction. It starts at 10:45 a.m. and will conclude at 2:00 p.m. It will be live streamed on Facebook. Registration is on DACdb.
If you would like to make a contribution to the effort to eradicate polio, we are running a Norfolk Rotary special on World Polio Day. Remember that any contributions would be matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The contribution has to be made through My Rotary, then the club will match your contribution with points. That can help you achieve the first level of the Paul Harris Fellowship or to obtain the next level. Contributions of $50 to $500 will be matched. All Rotarians with the exception of those at a PHF + 8 level are eligible.