“End Polio Now” a Rotary, Rotaract and Interact Joint Project was held on Feb 23 and 24, 2013.
 

Rotary’s 108th Anniversary was a busy day in District 5040. February 23rd, was recognized by many civic proclamations across District 5040 declaring Rotary Day Feb 23, 2013. District 5040 and 5050 jointly held a Rotary Peace Forum in Richmond.

In recognition of the timing of this unique opportunity, a collaborative and coordinated effort of “End Polio Now” booths was set up at five locations to promote Peace and draw attention to Polio eradication. Locations included Save-On Foods in Ladner, Tsawwassen Town Centre, Richmond Centre and Scottsdale Mall on Feb 24th as well as Lansdowne Mall Feb 23rd and 24th.

In an inspiring show of cooperation, volunteers representing the Rotary Club Richmond, Richmond Sunrise, Richmond Sunset, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Delta, Rotaract Club of Richmond, Interact Club of Hugh Boyd, Steveston London, Delta Secondary School and Tsawwassen donned brightly coloured “End Polio Now” team shirts and joined together for this event.

Information on Polio, long forgotten here, was distributed and donations accepted. A primary poster depicting a child receiving drops of vaccine was used to illustrate a National Immunization Day. Shoppers were prompted to drop their donations as if they were virtually administering vaccine and protecting children from polio. Upon each donation a bell was rung and a cheer raised. Booths also presented supporting posters, video presentations, brochures and leaflets. Donations became more meaningful with the announcement of matching funds from the Government of Canada as well as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through to March 1st.

The five displays raised more than $1800.00, with the 3 for 1 match this represents $5400.00 for Polio eradication - well done!!

On this Peace themed weekend, shoppers were encouraged to post messages of Peace on each booth Peace Board. Imagine a collage of multi-coloured Peace notes in several languages displayed on Peace Boards throughout the day. Hundreds of messages and drawings of Peace that examined a wide range of concepts and thoughts suggests there is a hunger for world harmony and understanding. Momentum swelled as messages of Peace and images of the Peace Board were sent out by Facebook and Twitter enthusiasts.

The significance of the Rotary “End Polio Now” booths was highlighted and honoured by distinguished visitors including Hon. Alice Wong M.P., Dr. Bob Scott, Chair RI PolioPLus Committee, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, DG Rebecca McPherson, PDG Chris Offer and PDG Penny Offer.

 

   

 Dr. Bob Scott, RI PolioPlus Chair & MP Alice Wong

 Landsdowne Mall

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Save on Foods - Ladner

 Richmond Centre Mall

 
 
 

 What does peace mean to you?