OKEMOS, Mich. –– Stop in at Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos and spare some change to help us aid Rotary and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in ending polio around the world as they move through the last phase of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
For every $25 raised, the Gates foundation will match it with $50 creating a total of $75 that will go towards providing equipment to help conquer polio in the remaining 1% of polio-endemic countries –– Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria. Your money will go towards one of three forms of aid, including:
- 150 Vests for Volunteers: Bright yellow vests help those seeking vaccination to recognize health workers and volunteers easily.
- 75 Vaccine Carriers: Oral polio vaccine must be kept cool to remain effective.
- 600 Purple Finger Markers: Children’s pinky fingers are marked with purple ink to show they’ve been immunized.
Poliomyelitis, more commonly referred to as polio, is a highly infectious viral disease that leads to paralysis, particularly with vulnerable young children who live in poor, remote countries without access to modern standards of hygiene or medical care. The most disheartening facts of polio are how easily it can be spread and that it has no cure; however, this egregious disease can be prevented by immunization; therefore, it’s time to get philanthropic.
While polio has decreased by 99% –– from 350,000 case since GPEI launched in 1988, to 223 cases in 2012 –– any decrease in funding for polio immunizations could quickly lead to the disease rebounding, causing 200,000 children to be paralyzed each year within a decade.
The 2013–2018 Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan is estimated to cost $5.5 billion and has raised funding commitments of $4 billion, leaving a commitment gap of $1.5 billion. If Rotary and the Gates Foundation are able to secure support from governments, nongovernmental organizations, corporations, and the public like you and our staff, GPEI could bring polio to a worldwide end.
Although the majority of us don’t have the capability or influence to change the world as drastically as Rotary and the Gates Foundation have with GPEI, each of our smaller efforts combined can help create a worldwide effect that prevents this disease from terrorizing anymore children and adults. Learn more about how you can help Rotary and the Gates Foundation end polio around the world here.
Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to making a difference in our community and beyond, whether it's by raising funds to aid international disease prevention efforts, or by providing you with integrity and convenience close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you –– simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!
No comments:
Post a Comment