Landmarks lit up with End Polio Now message

Those three words -- Rotary's pledge to rid the world of the crippling childhood disease -- were projected onto each structure's exterior the week of 23 February, the organization's 104th anniversary.

"By illuminating these historic landmarks with our pledge to end polio, Rotary clubs are announcing to the world that we will not stop until the goal is achieved," says Jonathan Majiyagbe, Rotary Foundation trustee chair. "We hope people everywhere will see these words, either in person or through the media, and join with us and our partners in this historic effort to rid the world of polio once and for all."

The illuminated displays are just one highlight of an already historic year in Rotary's 20-year effort to eradicate polio, which has helped reduce cases of the disease by more than 99 percent. In January, Rotary received a US$255 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, announced during the 2009 International Assembly , on top of the $100 million Gates Foundation grant it received in November 2007. In response to the grants, Rotary has committed to raising $200 million in matching funds over the next three years. All $555 million will be spent in support of eradication activities.

A number of sites in Scotland also were lit up with the End Polio Now message, including the Culzean Castle, in Ayrshire; the City Chambers and Greenock Town Hall, in Glasgow; and Eilean Donan Castle, in Dornie. End Polio Now was also projected onto the High Falls of Rochester, New York (USA) the evening of 23 February.

Rotary International News -- 23 February 2009