Community members are invited to join Rotary District 5950, families and others 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, in Macy’s Court at the Mall of America for the World’s Largest Polio Walk in recognition of World Polio Day.
Polio is a contagious viral disease that can attack the nervous system and cause permanent paralysis or death. There is no cure, but polio is completely preventable through safe and effective routine childhood vaccination. Rotary International has been working to eradicate polio for decades, reducing cases by over 99.9%. Today, wild polio is endemic in only two countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Rotary walk at Mall of America is part of events taking place across the world to raise awareness of the effort to eradicate polio worldwide. Area participants will gather at Macy’s Court at the Mall of America for a community walk highlighting Rotary’s commitment to a polio-free world.
“This is an opportunity for people across our community to come together, raise awareness and celebrate how far we’ve come and how close we are to ending polio,” said Tim Mulcrone, District 5950 Polio Eradication chair.
World Polio Day is an opportunity to recognize not only the progress made toward ending polio, but also the work that remains. Community members of all ages are encouraged to participate in the walk.
Can’t make it to the Mall of America? Register and take part wherever you are — in your neighborhood, at a local park or even on a treadmill. Participants can walk individually, with friends, family or a Rotary club while joining others in the effort to raise awareness about polio.
Community members can purchase a District 5950 “World’s Largest Polio Walk – 2 Drops” T-shirt for $18. The shirt provides another way to show support for the effort to eradicate polio and spread awareness of the cause.
Register now and buy your “one of a kind” T shirt. Gather at 7:30 a.m. at Macy’s Court at Mall of America.
Rotary District 5950 serves more than 60 clubs in Minneapolis and central and southwestern Minnesota. These clubs represent 41 communities ranging in size from Minneapolis to Springfield. For more information about District 5950 or to find a Rotary club in the area, visit www.Rotary5950.org.
