Polio is incurable, but completely vaccine- preventable.  The funds raised by Sina are added to The Rotary Club of Boorowa annual giving towards Rotary’s Polio Plus program.

President Sina has been fundraising by cutting hair over the last year, and for every dollar Sina and Rotary raises is matched with $2 from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation generously donates $2 for every $1 Rotary raises up to $35million.

Since Rotary implemented its Polio Plus programme in 1985 there has been a 99 per cent reduction in polio cases worldwide. However, while a stubborn one per cent remains difficult to prevent, all countries remain at risk of polio outbreaks.

Sina's effort will support the hundreds of Rotarians who work side-by-side with UNICEF health workers, with medical personnel, laboratory equipment and educational material.

Rotary has contributed $1.3 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunise more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries over the past 30 years. There are only 3 countries remaining where polio is still prevalent, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. Rotary finds it difficult to implement a vaccination programme in these countries because of geographical isolation, poor public infrastructure, armed conflict and cultural barriers.

“I am proud to do my little bit along with my Rotary club as it may make a big difference in peoples lives," President Sina Banks said.

"Completely eradicating polio will stop children suffering. The world is very close to eradicating polio, each dollar makes a difference."  

For information on the Polio Plus program www.endpolio.org.

-Boorowa Rotary