A small group of our Members, working with Friends of Westgate Gardens and the Umbrella Centre, planted a number of corms at Westgate Gardens yesterday, World Polio Day, to raise awareness of the global effort to free the world of polio.
The team of hardy Rotarians was overseen by President Alan Mepstead (who also helped with the planting). The team also planted some crocuses at St Dunstan's Church later in the day. These purple crocuses, variety "Ruby giant," will serve to remind the public about the cause when the flowers start to bloom next spring. Do look out for them!
The colour purple has come to symbolise the fight against polio, and was inspired by the colour of the dye painted on a child’s little finger to signify they've received their potentially life-saving polio vaccine.
Rotary worldwide has spearheaded the battle against polio through mass immunisation and health education programmes. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation generously matches every pound raised by Rotary with two from the Foundation.
To donate to the cause, click here.
If you’re interested in purchasing a Rotary South East facemask, please click here.
Picture: The team, busy planting the crocuses, overseen by our President. Picture credit: Alan Mepstead/Rotary Club of Canterbury.
