Last April, during an online meeting of District leadership, Matt Murphy, District Foundation Chair, noted that so far district donations to PolioPlus had been only $1,368 - an average of 75 cents per Rotarian. After the meeting I checked my club’s giving and learned that we had done worse - $25, or an average of only 49 cents per member.
I was embarrassed by these numbers. I wondered how many in our district had given just 75 cents to their church, school organization, food bank, animal rescue facility, or other favorite charity. PolioPlus is Rotary’s signature corporate project and the primary reason why The Rotary Foundation has been named the number one charitable organization in the world. We are nearing the goal of eradication of childhood polio throughout the world, but there still is work to do. This year the Foundation also added Covid-19 to the project. These goals are so important that all donations will be matched 2 to 1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - so your $1 equals $3 for the cause.
I asked District Governor Angela Rickman to set a district goal of $10,000 for PolioPlus - or about $5 per member. This is certainly attainable. So far this year our members have donated $1,590 - better than at this time last year but behind the rate for the goal. As we approach World Polio Day on October 24, please consider making a special donation for this cause. A child’s life may be saved just because of you.
I asked District Governor Angela Rickman to set a district goal of $10,000 for PolioPlus - or about $5 per member. This is certainly attainable. So far this year our members have donated $1,590 - better than at this time last year but behind the rate for the goal. As we approach World Polio Day on October 24, please consider making a special donation for this cause. A child’s life may be saved just because of you.
Michael Trewitt
District Major Donor and Endowment Chair
District Major Donor and Endowment Chair