District Governor Wendy writes:
While in Papua New Guinea recently DGE Darryl and I spent lots of time talking with families, villagers, the polio teams and young polio victims. We first met with UNICEF and WHO on the Saturday afternoon when we arrived and we discussed the need for the teams to wear safety vests as they are travelling throughout the country encouraging all children under 15 years of age to have their vaccinations. Bob Aiken had been the first to alert us to the problem as it was raised by UNICEF.
We knew our District could not meet the need but we were in touch with Carol and Amy from Polio Plus in Evanston. And together we all talked and negotiated to find a way to deliver the vests. Amy was amazing and this morning we received the fantastic news that The Foundation Trustee Chair had signed – and the grant was approved.
This is no small grant – we will receive $185,896.95 to fulfil the contract. The management team is DGE and District Foundation Chair, Darryl Iseppi; PNG Assistant Governor Wendy Scholz and myself. I have also signed to take Stewardship responsibilities.
We’ll now move to the next stage, getting the vests printed – including with the Rotary Mark – and distributing them to all of the teams. Making the teams safe and visually spreading the image that we are working together to make lives safer for our children is what we’re passionate about.
As we sat together on the floor of one hospital, cradling a little victim her mother said – ‘Susie was walking and being happy, what’s happened to her.’ They were both frightened and sad.
Later when we were saying goodbye I was feeling in my heart –
- Thanks to all of the Rotarians who donate funds to Polio Plus – and for making sure that the vaccines are reaching the children of the world;
- Thanks to Polio Plus for recognising that sometimes we need to look a bit more broadly than just the vaccines and that we truly do respond to what’s happening across the world
- Thanks to the Rotarians on the ground in Papua New Guinea who are encouraging everyone to travel and connect their children with the vaccinating teams, and
- Thank you District 9600 – I have absolutely no doubt that each of you will smile just a little more this afternoon as you remember why we’ve decided to live ‘Service Above Self’
Looking forward to seeing you across the District