Our Community Projects growing list

In 1985, Rotary launched the PolioPlus program to protect children worldwide from the cruel and fatal consequences of polio. In 1988, the World Health Assembly challenged the world to eradicate polio. Since that time, Rotary's efforts and those of partner agencies, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and governments around the world, have achieved a 99 percent reduction in the number of polio cases worldwide. Rotarians stand at the brink of a great victory and look forward to celebrating the global eradication of polio in 2005, the organization's centennial year.

350,000 Number of cases of polio world wide in 1988

667 Number of cases of polio in 2003

250 million Number of children who must be vaccinated three times this year before the disease can be erradicated in six countries where it still occurs

[TIME, Canadian Edition/January 26, 2004 ]

Each year we have a student from a foreign country and host them for a year. This program is designed to improve international relations and promote the understanding of cultural diversity. . The increased self awareness and global perspective that they derive from the experience would not be possible without the commitment of the many volunteer host families and the dedication of those Rotarians who serve as Youth Exchange officers.

Rotary clubs seeking assistance with a local project can register it with the WCS Projects Exchange, a semiannual listing which brings together clubs in need of resources with those willing to help. In addition to seeking funds or equipment and supplies, projects listed on the exchange are often in need of volunteers. With the help of the Rotary Foundation, our club is sponsoring a reforestation project in Panama.

The programs listed above are part of the Rotary Foundation which spends $60 million annually to promote International understanding through educational and humanitarian programs. Some 1200 Rotary scholars study for a year in a foreign country each year. The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to support the efforts of Rotary International in the fulfillment of the Object of Rotary, Rotary’s mission, and the achievement of world understanding and peace through local, national, and international humanitarian, educational, and cultural programs