Rotary Foundation 100th and Philippines end polio role celebrated

Posted by Peter Roaf on Sep 02, 2016

As Rotarians prepare for the September 10 loading of a Rotary World Help shipping container with used medical equipment for the Philippines -- initiated by Ladner Rotarian Alfredo Gocco and partially sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ladner -- the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise celebrated the 100th Anniversary of The Rotary Foundation and the key role the Philippines played in eradicating the disease on September 1, in Richmond. A recent article in the Richmond News newspaper features Ladner Rotarian and Past District Governor Chris Offer, who, with his wife, Ladner Rotarian PDG Penny Offer, had administered polio vaccine to children in India last year.

Officiating at a September 1, 2016 ceremony to mark the 100th Anniversary of The Rotary Foundation and the Philippines role in eradicating the disease, with Foundation support, were (l to r): Neil Ferrer, Consul-General to the Philippines in Vancouver; Neil Reeder, Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines; Lyn Stroshin, District 5040 Governor; Sandra Hass, President, Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise; Joe Peschisolido, MP For Steveston-Richmond East

In the Manila suburb of Makati 37 years ago this month Rotary International President James L. Bomar administered the first 2 drops of the Sabin vaccine. With a 3-H grant of $750,000 from The Rotary Foundation's Health, Hunger and Humanity program, six million children were eventually immunized and the Philippines became Polio free. Polio eradication became Rotary’s priority project in the early 1980’s.

To recognize the pivotal role the Philippines played in the Eradication of Polio and to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The Rotary Foundation which supported that achievement, over 60 Rotarians and guests attended a dinner in Richmond on September 1, 2016.

Canada's Ambassador to the Philippines and Rotarian Neil Reeder, Consul-General to the Philippines in Vancouver Neil Ferrer, and MP for Steveston-Richmond East Joe Peschisolido joined District 5040 Governor Lyn Stroshin, Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise President Sandra Hass, to officiate at the anniversary ceremony.

Ambassador Reeder, Consul-General Ferrer and MP Peschisolido also paid tribute to the ongoing work of the Rotary World Help, which has arranged many dozens of containers to be shipped to the Philippines, to alleviate poverty, disaster-related events, health and community development over the years.

Founding member of RWH, Ralph Towsley, was also recognised for his vision in developing RWH to be the life-changing project it is today. Coincidentally a RWH container bound for the Philippines with medical equipment is scheduled to be loaded on September 10, 2016.