The theme of this year is” One Day. One Focus: Ending Polio – delivering on our promise of a polio-free world”. It is a promise of a polio-free world for current and future generations.

 

World Polio Day is observed on October 24 every year to raise awareness for polio vaccination and eradication of polio. The World Polio Day was established by Rotary International over a decade ago to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis.

 

The last stronghold of poliovirus is in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Several critical challenges stand in the way of achieving eradication, including the global pandemic.

As per WHO use of the poliovirus vaccine and subsequent widespread use of the oral poliovirus, developed by Albert Sabin, led to the establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988. As of 2013, GPEI had reduced polio worldwide by 99%.

 

 

 

 

The Rotary Club of St. Marys has teamed up with local sponsors to release a freshly designed reusable tote bag featuring scenic imagery of the town that’s Strong as Stone! Available now at select retailers, the Rotary Club’s new Keepsake Tote is sure to be the ideal replacement for everyone’s shopping needs.

In cooperation with the Town of St. Marys, Rotarians coordinated the design to include a collage of unique local photos as well as the town’s new slogan. In support of the Rotary Club’s fundraising efforts, many local businesses helped finance the project. Their company logos proudly frame the design and serve to remind everyone of our town’s resilient and enduring character.

 

The totes will become a great keepsake memory for visitors to St. Marys and also make a perfect gift or promotional item for those who appreciate beauty and function. The polyfabric bags hold up to 30 lbs, are durable and consist of 10% recycled material.

Look for the Keepsake Tote poster in store windows to identify the local businesses who are selling the totes. Buyers can also shop online by visiting www.rotarystmarys.ca to purchase the bags in quantities of 5 for $25. Rotarian Len Hawkins will arrange pickup of online orders.

 

The Rotary Club of St. Marys is always seeking ways to better serve our community. It’s been more than ten years since the Rotary Club introduced its last tote bag fundraiser, so it decided, what better time to breathe new life into a community cause? As we turn the corner on COVID-19, let’s focus on the shared beauty, strength and distinction of our town. Please patronize valued sponsors and watch for Rotary Club thank-you ads featuring these dedicated businesses.

 

If you’re online, participate in the social media coverage by liking and sharing Rotary Club of St. Marys posts.

 

 

 

By Rotary International

 

For the 13th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S.

 

 

The Foundation earned the recognition for adhering to sector best practices and executing its mission in a financially efficient way, demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. Only one percent of the organizations Charity Navigator evaluates have received 13 consecutive

4-star evaluations.

 

"Your achievement and 4-star rating will enhance your organization’s fundraising and public relations efforts,” says Michael Thatcher, president and chief executive officer of Charity Navigator. "This exceptional designation sets the Foundation apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness."

 

The rating reflects Charity Navigator's assessment of how the Foundation uses donations, sustains its programs and services, and practices good governance and openness.