Rotaract clubs in Cayman have answered a worldwide call from Rotary to help eradicate polio.
Rotaract Blue completed the first phase of “The Rotaract Blue 1,000 Pennies for Polio Challenge”, an initiative challenging Rotary and Rotaract clubs to give 1,000 pennies, or $10, per member or as a club to benefit the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Rotaract Blue Cayman Islands launched the challenge in early September and by World Polio Day on 24 October – six weeks after the launch – the initiative had amassed $2,500.
The Rotaract Club of Grand Cayman raised more than $300 during its End Polio Now happy hour at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville on World Polio Day. The event on Friday, 21 October, was held to raise awareness of the effects of polio on children across the globe.
“It was awesome to see the public support that showed up for this event” said Derrick Vermont, restaurant manager at Margaritaville. “It’s events like these that really prove the strength of our community in supporting worthy causes, and ending polio is surely one of them,” he said.
End Polio Now collection boxes have been distributed throughout most companies for employees to drop in their loose change. Any company that would like a collection box should email [email protected]. All the money collected goes directly to the Rotary’s PolioPlus programme, which has eradicated 99 per cent of the virus worldwide.
Polio eradication has been Rotary’s top priority since 1985 with more than $1.2 billion contributed to the effort.
Rotary is looking to raise $200 million by 30 June, 2012. The current tally is $190 million.
“Rotaract Blue is grateful to the Rotary and Rotaract clubs of the Cayman Islands for meeting our challenge and giving to ‘1,000 Pennies for Polio’,” said Marzeta Bodden, president of Rotaract Blue. “It is amazing that such a small contribution of $10 will change the world forever. We are ‘this close’ to eradicating polio.”
Rotaract Blue is spreading the “1,000 Pennies for Polio” challenge to the fellow organisations throughout the Rotary International-designated area, including the Cayman Islands.
If you would like to contribute contact Rotaract Blue at [email protected].
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