Rotarians in Settle have transformed a plot of land in the town into an attractive flower bed adorned with purple flowers and shrubs as a symbol of their support for the global campaign to eradicate polio, known as PolioPlus.
The choice of purple is significant because in the two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, where wild polio is still endemic, children who receive the vaccine have their little finger marked with purple dye. This purple mark serves as an indicator for Rotarians and health workers to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.
Since Rotary’s commitment in 1985 to eliminate polio worldwide, more than 2.5 billion children have been vaccinated.
To mark Polio Day this year, Settle Rotarians hosted a stall where they offered purple crocus badges and purple-covered chocolate hearts to the public in exchange for donations. The event raised over £130, which the club boosted to £300. The Gates Foundation will match this contribution, resulting in funds to provide 4,500 vaccinations.
Rotary clubs around the world continue to make significant efforts to eradicate polio and ensure a polio-free world.
