Rotary Supports World Polio Day

“End Polio Now” is a global awareness and fundraising campaign by Rotary International to eradicate poliomyelitis, with World Polio Day being held annually on October 24th to mark progress and encourage continued efforts. The campaign focuses on vaccinating children, as evidenced by the tradition of painting a child’s finger purple to show they’ve been vaccinated. 

Leighton Linslade Rotary will be planting Crocuses in two areas around Leighton Buzzard and Linslade to mark World Polio Day:

1. The bank at the rear of linslade memorial playing fields on the incline of the bank 
2. Splash park side of bandstand, I’d say close to bandstand away from footfall

Key Aspects of the “End Polio Now” Campaign

• The Date: World Polio Day is a key event within the broader “End Polio Now” campaign and takes place on October 24th. 
• The Goal: The ultimate goal is to eradicate polio, a highly infectious disease that attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis or death. 
• Rotary’s Role: Rotary has been leading the effort to eradicate polio for over 35 years, working with partners to achieve this goal. 
• Purple Symbolism: A purple crocus is planted in many areas to represent the ongoing fight, and in many countries, a child’s finger is painted purple after receiving the polio vaccine. 

How to Get Involved

• Donate: You can support the “End Polio Now” campaign by donating to the cause. 
• Participate in Events: Get involved in activities organized by local Rotary clubs or other groups. 
• Raise Awareness: Spread the word about World Polio Day and the importance of continued vaccination efforts through social media and other channels. 
• Plant Purple Crocuses: Plant purple crocuses in the spring to show your support for the initiative.