Rotary clubs in the Port Macquarie area are heading to the movies on Monday, September 23 to raise funds towards Rotary's campaign to end polio.
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And the community is encouraged to help Rotary continue its work and be a part of wiping Polio from the face of the earth.
October 24 is World Polio Day.
It takes only $3 to fully protect a child against polio.
Rotary has been working together across the globe to eradicate polio for more than 30 years.
Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West vocational director Heather Mayne said way back then, in 1979, a Rotarian believed in the possibilities of networking, of pooling skills, business experience and determination to make a lasting positive change for young children threatened by the spread of this insidious and debilitating disease.
"And we're almost there," she said.
"Thanks to the connections formed with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation who have joined forces with Rotary and World Health Organisation, this task is 99.9 per cent achieved.
"We've helped immunise more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. "
Polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Mrs Mayne said it is crucial we don't give up now.
If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years polio could paralyse as many as 200,000 children each year.
Community members are encouraged to donate to Rotary's End Polio Fund.
Every dollar donated will be tripled by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Contact the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West via Facebook or 0438 443 963 for information on how to donate.
Donations can be made tax deductible.
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