POLIO PLUS
In 1985 Rotary launched a fund-raising drive to battle polio with the goal of raising $120 million US. At that time some 350,000 cases of poliomyelitis, a highly infectious disease that has crippled and killed children for thousands of years, were still being reported in 125 countries of the world. The campaign actually raised $247 million US, and with Rotary's encouragement the World Health Organization resolved to develop a strategy for eradicating the disease from the face of the earth. Rotary's contributions have now exceeded $500 million US in what has become the largest public health initiative in history.
Over the years, through its PolioPlus programme, Rotary has provided vaccine, millions of volunteer hours, and leadership in more than 100 nations. In addition, its advocacy programme, aimed at donor governments and the private sector, has resulted in more than $1 billion in polio grants to poor nations.
Rotary is the major private-sector partner in the global team leading this history-making cause.
The Rotary Club of Sackville has supported Polio Plus for many years. In the Rotary year 2002 - 2003 it committed itself to raising $5,000. By June 2003, a total of over $10,000 had been raised, more than doubling the target figure.
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Rotary is a service club and Rotarians are committed to working on projects that will benefit the local community as well as those in need in many parts of the world.
The Rotary Club of Sackville's main project this year is support for the Tantramar Adult Literacy Centre, in keeping with Rotary's current emphasis on the importance of literacy projects.
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Over the years the Rotary Club of Sackville has undertaken many projects within the local community. The club's first project was the conversion of a low-lying, marshy waste area in the centre of town into a community playground. One of the best used and most appreciated recreational facilities in the area continues to be Lillas Fawcett Park at Silver Lake in Middle Sackville. The Rotary Club of Sackville raised the necessary funds to purchase this property and develop the park and beach, beginning in 1977, before handing it over to the Town of Sackville in 1981. Altogether, some $16,000 was raised by Rotary for this project.
Lillas Fawcett Park
Other projects include the flagpole in front of the Town Library, the fountain in the atrium of the Sackville Memorial Hospital, and the wooden shelter for the "Booster Pump" on Main Street, a joint project with the Town of Sackville.
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A more recent Club project involved the contruction of a stone bridge over a stream at the "Swan Pond" in the centre of town, on the campus of Mount Allison University. The new bridge was officially opened on 17 May 2001. This has added significantly to the amenities of a popular area for townsfolk and visitors alike. The project was jointly funded by the Rotary Club of Sackville and Mount Allison University - an excellent example of "Town - Gown" co-operation.
INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS
In recent years two of our members have participated in Rotary service projects overseas.
See INDIA 2005 for details of Pam Harrison's visit to India to particpate in Polio Plus National Immunization Day
See AFRICA 2005 for details of Leslie Van Patter's visit to South Africa where she worked in schools in Limpopo Province.
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