Rotary members in the Bridgton-Lakes Region are taking action in honor of World Polio Eradication to raise awareness, funds, and support to end polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today. $1 of every pint sold on October 28, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to Closing at the Olde Mill Tavern will be donated to Rotary’s fight to eradicate Polio.
WHAT: Pints for Polio
WHO: Anyone who wants to join us for Pints for Polio
WHEN: October 28th
WHERE: The Olde Mill Tavern Restaurant, 56 Main St., Harrison
When Rotary and its partners, the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and UNICEF launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, there were 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries every year. We’ve made great progress against the disease since then. Today, polio cases have been reduced by 99.9 percent, and just two countries continue to report cases of wild poliovirus: Afghanistan and Pakistan. And we remain committed to the end.
With polio nearly eradicated, Rotary and its partners must sustain this progress and continue to reach every child with the polio vaccine. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk. Rotary has committed to raising US$50 million each year to support global polio eradication efforts. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged to match that 2-to-1, for a combined yearly contribution of $150 million.
"Rotarians are people of action and we couldn't think of a better way to tell our story then by showcasing one of our biggest efforts, eradicating polio," said Julie Forbes, 2020-21 President of the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club and a polio survivor herself. “We encourage everyone to join us on October 28th at the Olde Mill between 3:00 p.m. and closing and support Pints for Polio. Eat dinner, have a beverage and hear Bruce Marshall sing. What could be better?”
Rotary has contributed more than $2.1 billion to ending polio since 1985, including over $25,000 donated by the Rotary Club of Bridgton-Lake Region.
About Rotary Club of Bridgton-Lake Region
Our organization was founded 30 years ago and serves the communities of the lakes region: Bridgton, Harrison, Naples, Denmark and Sweden. The club is made up of 25 business and nonprofit professionals from throughout the region who strive to make a difference in our community. Since 2000 the club has contributed close to $400,000 and countless hours of Service Above Self to the lakes region. More specifics at https://lakeregionrotary.com and our Facebook Page. Any questions? Contact Jessica Putnam, President 2021-22, at LakeRegionRotary@gmail.com.
About Rotary International
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite and take action to create lasting change in communities around the globe. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to improve lives through service. From promoting literacy and peace to providing clean water and improving health care, Rotary members are always working to better the world. Visit endpolio.org to learn more about Rotary and the fight to eradicate polio.
