CENTRE WELLINGTON – The Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora announced the success of its recent “End Polio Now” campaign, held under the global theme: “End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere.”
The initiative raised awareness and funds for Rotary International’s worldwide mission to eradicate polio.
The Fergus-Elora Rotary Club raised $2,140 for polio eradication efforts through a series of community-driven events.
Highlights include:
– Pies for Polio: During a club meeting, members donated pies for a silent auction raising $1,100;
– Ponies for Polio: A social event at Grand River Raceway brought in $380;
– Pizza for Polio: In partnership with Vitto’s Pizzeria in Elora, $360 was raised through pizza sales; and
– Purple 4 Polio: Cachet Nails in Fergus contributed $300 by donating a portion of proceeds from purple manicures and pedicures – the color purple symbolizes the dye used on children’s fingers after receiving their polio vaccine.
Since 1988, polio cases have almost entirely disappeared with wild poliovirus type 1 now endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan only.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation extended its partnership with Rotary International through a joint commitment of up to $450 million USD toward eradication efforts.
The Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora has been serving the community for nearly 60 years.
In addition to global initiatives, the club supports numerous local organizations including: KidsAbility, Community Resource Centre, Big Brothers Big Sisters, UGDSB Empowerment Day, Royal Canadian Legion, KIPP Elora, Elora Centre for the Arts and FEDS – Special Needs Soccer.
The club meets twice monthly on the first and third Tuesday at 12:15pm at the Aboyne Hall in the Wellington County Museum and Archives.
Officials encourage community members to join the club to make a meaningful impact.
For more information, visit ferguselorarotary.com.
