Group picture from the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid Isle’s Ramesh Manek End Polio Now Walkathon which took place on World Polio Day.
PHILIPSBURG--About eighty people took part in the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid Isle’s annual Ramesh Manek End Polio Now Walkathon on Saturday, October 24, as part of activities marking World Polio Day. Participants received commemorative End Polio Now T-shirts with their tickets and were treated to a local breakfast sponsored by Mid Isle Rotarians.
“Today, we walk not only for fitness and fellowship, but for a cause that unites Rotarians around the world: the eradication of polio,” said Rotary Club president Grace Linger. She said the participants’ support would help Rotary continue its efforts to prevent children from suffering from the disease.
All proceeds from the walkathon will go to PolioPlus, Rotary International’s programme to eradicate polio. The club noted that contributions are eligible for a two-to-one match from the Gates Foundation, meaning each dollar raised will be matched with an additional two dollars.
Polio remains endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan, according to the club. Vaccination efforts in the two countries face challenges linked to health systems and security concerns. Funds raised through PolioPlus support vaccine distribution and related logistics, including transportation and equipment.
The club thanked Rotarians, Interactors, participants, volunteers and other supporters who contributed to the event.
