Rotary- End Polio Now

At this time of year seasonal flowers are making their presence felt and hinting at the warmer weather to come. Purple crocuses are now in flower along the central reservation of Ullswater Road giving cheer to those entering or leaving the town. Across the world purple is the colour painted onto to the finger of a child who has been immunised. Planted by the Penrith Rotary Club the flowers remind us of the ongoing global battle to rid the world of polio, now in its 30th year.

Polio kills and paralyses young children. It spreads like wild-fire. Many will remember the devasting consequences of polio in our local area. Supported by local Rotary clubs, the international movement of Rotary has led the private sector in the global effort to rid the world of this crippling disease. This work is recognised worldwide as a model of public-private co-operation in pursuit of a humanitarian goal.

In addition to providing financial and volunteer support the movement urges support from other public and private sector partners. A spectacular example is the commitment from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation to add