We're this close... to ending polio.

Since 1979, Rotary Clubs around the world have been working to rid the world of polio. In 1985 the effort was formalized as the PolioPlus campaign. Rotarians pledged US$120 million to the effort.

By 1988, Rotarians had raised US$247 million and in 1991 the Western Hemisphere was declared polio-free. By 1996, 150 countries were declared polio-free. Cases of polio had dropped by 85% since 1988.

In 2000, 550 million children - almost 1/10th of the world population - received the oral polio vaccine.

By 2009, Rotary had contributed almost US$800 million to ending polio. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledged US$355 million and challenged Rotary to raise an additional US$200 million. Rotarians quickly accepted and surpassed the challenge pledge.

Today, Rotary has given more than US$1 billion and continues its efforts to eliminate polio. India has been taken off the polio-endemic list. Only three countries remain polio endemic. The number of new cases of polio has dropped to 120 so far this year... in 1988 there were more than 120 new cases every day.

We're this close... and you can help by purchasing a Rotary Polio Crocus for just $5. Funds raised will go to the End Polio Now campaign. Crocuses are available at eagle.ca and The Avid Reader in Cobourg.