THE ROTARY CLUB OF BANBRIDGE
Polio Eradication Fundraising Campaign Information
In 1985, Rotary launched PolioPlus, one of the most ambitious humanitarian programs ever undertaken by a private-sector organization. PolioPlus was the catalyst for the World Health Assembly's resolution in 1988 to eradicate polio. Today, thanks to Rotary's commitment and its leadership in mobilizing volunteers, the world is on the threshold of eradicating the poliovirus.
Great progress has been made. Seven countries remain polio endemic. The number of cases worldwide has decreased 99 percent since 1985. The greatest obstacle to victory is adequate funding.
For this reason, the RI Board of Directors and the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation unanimously decided to launch a one-year campaign to help fill the funding gap, seeking $80 million in cash and pledges during the period 1 July 2002 through 30 June 2003 (with pledges and commitments to be paid over a three-year period).
Rotary Raises US$88.5 Million, Exceeding Campaign Goal
On 3 June 2003, at the Rotary International Convention in
Brisbane, Australia, RI President Bhichai Rattakul announced that Rotary's 1.2
million members have successfully raised more than US$88.5 million for the
fundraising campaign, surpassing the original goal of $80 million. By 30 June,
that number had risen to US $111,499,351
The funds raised are in addition to the $500 million Rotary has committed to
polio eradication since 1985, when Rotary launched its first fundraising drive
with the goal of $120 million — an amount that Rotary more than doubled by the
end of that campaign. The remarkable success of the current campaign would not
have been possible without the enthusiasm and support of more than 5,000 clubs
who have sent their commitments. Additional pledges and club commitments are
arriving daily. So far, 528 districts and 151 countries have supported the
campaign.