World Polio Day 2009

October 24, 2009

Ronn Kerr and Emily Francona

On Saturday, October 24, a group of  Port Orford Rotarians dressed in bright red “End Polio Now” smocks raised their community’s awareness about  Rotary’s International drive to eliminate polio forever.  Similar events were being held by Rotary clubs in all parts of the world as a part of World Polio Day celebrating the elimination of Polio in most of the world and emphasizing the need for a final push to end it completely.  Rotarians Karen Auborn,  Michelle Breuer,  Emily Francona, Rick Francona, Dave Holman, Ronn Kerr, Bill McArdle, Ken Williams, and Bill Oleson took turns to  show videos, provide lots of information, distributing brochures, selling approximately 50 Good Bye Polio, answering questions, even collected $180 from the community for Polio Plus!  

Ronn Kerr and Donna Smith

President Dave Holman and President Elect Rick Francona

Dave Holman and Norma Anderson

Toni and Jim Hall, Dave Holman, Bill McArdle, Doug and Karen Hansen

Bill Oleson, Dave Holman and Emily Francona

The most common reaction from local citizens during the day was that they thought polio had been wiped out long ago, making this kind of community awareness event very relevant to Rotary’s polio eradication efforts.  Port Orford Rotarians have already surpassed their Polio Plus giving goals for the current Rotary year and continue to raise funds with the Good Bye Polio Rose project.  They also plan to continue raising community awareness by participating in next year’s World Polio Day.