Ancaster News
Posted by Lee Kirkby
POLIO ERADICATION & SCOTCH TASTING DINNER RAISES $4K
The Rotary Club of Ancaster raised $4000 recently at its Polio Eradication & Scotch Tasting Dinner. With matching grants/monies from the Canadian Government and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a total of $20,000 will go to the fight.
The Hamilton Golf and Country Club was a superb host. Roger Donald of the LCBO educated on the history and peculiarities of fine single malt scotch and Dr. Bob Scott, Rotarian from Cobourg, put a real human face on the fight to Eradicate Polio. Scott outlined why the mountains of Pakistan are such a problem (last place on earth facing the native polio virus). He told us of his personal connection with some of the immunization workers killed last year and how he has ended up doing polio vaccinations with armed guards alongside.
We heard about the true heroes of the work - brave people who risk their lives to save children from this terrible disease. The fight to end polio is getting close to the end but the final steps are very difficult and require continued vigilance from everyone.
The crowd of Rotarians from many clubs in the area as well as guests from the community enjoyed an excellent meal, fine scotch and were treated to a heartwarming and thoughtful presentation.
In attached photo Dr. Bob Scott is shown with Karen Oakes, PDG, District 7090 Director of The Rotary Foundation.