On October 24, Rotarians around the globe participated in the World’s Largest Polio Walk, united in Rotary’s promise to eradicate polio. Locally, Rotary District 5950 gathered at the Mall of America, where District Polio Chair Tim Malcrone reminded participants why every step matters. Maria, Bob, and Margo represented Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary.
The annual Minnesota vs. Iowa football challenge on the same day is also raising money for the same important cause. COL members can pledge—or pay up based on their a friendly wager on their favorite team—and every dollar raised is matched 2-to-1 by the Gates Foundation, tripling its impact.
Rotary’s efforts have helped reduce polio cases by more than 99.9%. Wild polio remains present in only Pakistan and Afghanistan, but children worldwide must continue to be vaccinated to prevent its return. Rotary will keep walking, pledging and working until polio becomes only the second human disease ever eradicated, after smallpox.