An article from PDG Julie Mason, Wyndham
Who would have thought that the simple act of painting a finger would lead to discussions about the need to End Polio?
October is a special month in the Rotary calendar. Individually and collectively we reflect and take action to continue the campaign to End Polio. We walked, talked and checked out the latest data related to Polio. The videos provided in the Brand Centre of Rotary.org proved to be a useful resource acting as information and inspiration for the clever people who have downloaded and created a digital library for future reference. It is fascinating to share the videos as part of a meeting especially the amazing work being down to End Polio in Pakistan.
On Sunday 26 of October seventy-three people braved the weather to meet at the Sun Theatre in Yarraville to watch a great film, The Traveller and by doing so raised over $1,000 which as we know, magically turns into $3,000 thanks to The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Past District Governor Murray Verso shared the most up to date information about the End Polio Campaign. Everyone in attendance was given the opportunity to paint a little finger purple as a sign of their commitment to the End Polio Campaign. They were asked to raise the finger for Polio, and the photo which Jane Pennington included in her wrap up of End Polio Month tells the story. And getting the story out there? District Governor Elect Graeme Hope’s golf buddies had asked about the purple finger and this was a trigger for an excellent conversation.
Then, on Tuesday 28, October District Governor Peter Shepheard and I travelled to Bendigo where seventy-seven Rotarians, partners and friends, representing several Rotary Clubs, came together to hear about the Rotary Foundation with a focus on End Polio. They also took the opportunity to “paint their little finger purple” for Polio; “giving the finger” to those present took on a positive new meaning.
We know that in reality Polio is only a plane ride away so let’s keep sharing the End Polio message and raise not only a finger but raise dollars as we continue to Unite For Good.
