PUMPKINS FOR POLIO

October 24th is World Polio Day.Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a paralyzing and potential fatal disease that still threatens children in some parts
of the world. Poliovirus invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in hours. It can strike
people of any age but mainly affects children under five. Polio can be prevented by vaccines, but it is not
curable. Unlike most diseases, polio can be eradicated. Polio eradication will be one of history’s greatest
public health achievements, with polio following smallpox to become the second human disease
eradicated from the world.
The Rotary Club of Campbell River has been, since the start of the polio eradication program in 1988, an
active participant in fundraising to support this effort. For the past nine years, the Rotary Club of
Campbell River has raised funds for PolioPlus through different initiatives. The Pumpkins for Polio
auctions have provided the majority of funds. This year, the Pumpkins for Polio auctions will be held
during the latter part of October. In addition to an in-house Rotary Club auction, there will be a beer and
burger with pumpkin auction event at the Riptide Pub on Tuesday, October 25 starting at 5:30 PM. The
Pumpkins for Polio auction at the Riptide will exhibit pumpkins and pumpkin-themed artworks created by
members of the Campbell River Arts Council, First Nation carvers and other local artists. All funds raised
for PolioPlus will be double matched (2:1) by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Tickets are $30 and are available at Riptide Pub.
Get something special just in time for Halloween and support Rotary’s efforts in eradicating polio throughout the world. Together we can END POLIO NOW.