The program is called "Pennies for Polio," but Pennies to purge the planet of polio is a more accurate way of describing the ongoing effort backed up by Castlegar Rotarians.
In a recently submitted article the nuts and bolts of Rotary International's well-organized campaign for the eradication of polio were explained. It was mentioned how the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation had come on board by matching funds raised in the effort.
Castlegar's PM Rotary club found a way to stretch those beneficial dollars even further, finding out about a similar program offered by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
"The federal grant program was initiated a while back, I believe," said local PM Rotary spokesman Ron Armbruster on March 11. "So we found $3,333.33 in our budget and made an effective $10,000 donation." The donation was made two days before the deadline of February 28.
The crippling disease of polio may not be completely wiped out worldwide, but with continuing efforts like the one so vigorously supported by caring folks, internationally and right close to home, it may just be stamped out altogether before too long.