In this past week we heard an inspiring talk from Murray Verso regarding the Rotary challenge to eliminate Polio.
Murray has been a Rotarian for more than 40 years, twice president, District Governor in 2014 and past district 9800 chair of the rotary foundation committee. Murray has performed in many other capacities for rotary such as convening symposiums, co-chairing seminars and generally representing rotary. Murray and his wife Irene are both retired GP’s and most notably Murray was medical officer of health for the municipalities of Williamstown and Hobsons Bay.
 President Mark Howlett and Foundation Director PP Charles Tran presented PDG Murray Verso with two 'Big Cheque' donations to The Rotary Foundation, a $2,000 contribution to Polio Plus and a $4,500 contribution to the Annual Fund |
During his presentation, Murray explained in more detail for all attending members, the history of Polio, the impact polio has on its victims, the early days of rotary’s involvement in its prevention and, the inspirational story of how over 35 years Rotary has helped to take Polio down to just a couple of handfuls of cases each year; a reduction of 99.9%!
Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort.
Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.
Murray concluded by encouraging members and the club to continue its support for ending Polio.
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