23 February - a pivotal date in history

23 February is the 107th anniversary of the first Rotary club established in Chicago, Illinois in 1905. This anniversary, Rotarians worldwide will focus attention on PolioPlus, the most ambitious program in Rotary’s history. It is the volunteer arm of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. For more than 25 years, Rotary has partnered with WHO, UNICEF and CDC and has led the private sector in the global effort to rid the world of this crippling disease. Today, PolioPlus is recognized worldwide as a model of public-private cooperation in pursuit of a humanitarian goal. Rotary’s financial contributions to the global polio eradication effort will reach nearly US$1.2 billion by the time the world is certified polio-free as it works work to encourage both donor and polio-affected governments to commit the political and financial resources needed to eradicate polio.

PolioPlus National Advocacy Advisor for New Zealand, Stuart Batty is encouraging Rotarians and the Public throughout New Zealand to make the anniversary of Rotary a day of giving to assist in the eradication of Polio and the long suffering of its victims. Successive New Zealand Government have supported the initiative and given the significant contribution pledged by the Australian Prime Minister at last years CHOGM in Perth, Stuart is hopeful that New Zealand will soon follow their lead.

Donations would be appreciated via:
• Rotary New Zealand World Community Service http://www.rnzwcs.org where there is a PayPal credit card facility, or

• Internet banking telegraphic transfer to Westpac Banking Corporation, Wellington, NZ account number 03 1702 0192208 02 (international donors will also require Swift Code WPACNZ2W, IBAN Code 031702) for account name RNZWCS Limited (Rotary New Zealand), and include reference PolioPlus , and/or donor name and club

• Cheque made payable to RNZWCS Limited posted to PO Box 20309, Christchurch 8543, New Zealand

ENDS