Rotary International launches $100 million challenge to Rotary Clubs to end polio

Rotary International is encouraging its member Rotary Clubs to raise $100 million to match the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation $100 million grant to the Rotary Foundation for polio eradication.

Dr Robert S Scott, trustee chair of the Rotary Foundation explained: "Each Rotary club is being asked to contribute at least $1,000 annually to the challenge for the next three years.

"If you consider there are nearly 33,000 clubs in the world, their combined fundraising efforts would result in almost the full matching amount of $100 million. The $200 million that will be generated will be a vital catalyst in support of polio eradication."

Rotary has until 31 December 2010 to match the Gates Foundation challenge grant. A task force is also providing oversight and direction to clubs and districts.

In the UK, Allan Jagger, President of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, is a member of the new Rotary $100 Million Challenge Committee. He said: "The polio eradication grant is one of the largest challenge grants ever given by the Gates Foundation and the largest grant received by Rotary in its 102-year history. Polio eradication has been Rotary's top priority since 1985. Since then, Rotary has contributed $633 million to the eradication effort. The extraordinary dedication of Rotary members has played a critical role in bringing polio to the brink of eradication. I urge all Rotary Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland to support this initiative."

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