Be the End of Polio
Rotary International has played a pivotal role in the global efforts to eradicate polio. Learn about the disease and things Rotary has done to eradicate polio
What is Polio?
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects children under the age of five. While many infected individuals show no symptoms, a small percentage can develop paralysis, which can be permanent or fatal. There is no cure, but vaccines have been developed that provide effective immunity against the virus. Due to global vaccination efforts, polio has been eradicated from many parts of the world.
How Rotary helps
Rotary International has played a pivotal role in the global efforts to eradicate polio. Here are key contributions:
Fundraising: Since 1985, Rotary has contributed billions of dollars to fight polio through its PolioPlus program.
Advocacy: Rotary members have advocated at all levels of government and society to gain support and funding for polio eradication.
Awareness: Rotary has raised awareness about polio eradication through public relations efforts and events, reaching a vast audience globally.
On-the-Ground Support: Rotary members have volunteered in support roles during National Immunization Days to help administer vaccine drops to children.
Partnerships: Rotary played a key role in forming the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, partnering with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and more recently, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Matching Grants: In partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary has agreed on matching grants, amplifying the funding dedicated to eradicating polio.
Through these contributions, Rotary International has been instrumental in reducing the number of polio cases by over 99.9% since the start of their campaign.
Every year, we hold various fundraising events to help keep polio at bay. It’s a devastating disease that can be eradicated by a simple vaccine, but distributing the vaccine takes time.
This year we have a special screening of the film Napoleon.
Visit our booking page to buy tickets
Bringing Healthcare To The Streets
Written By Jamie Buttigieg
Bringing Healthcare to the Streets: How Rotary Castle Hill Supports the Homeless through Street Side Medics
Our club community believes in the power of service, especially when it comes to those who need it most. Each month, our club joins hands and hearts to make a difference with Street Side Medics in Parramatta.
𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀
Street Side Medics is a remarkable service that delivers free mobile GP services to people experiencing homelessness. It's about bringing healthcare directly to those who may not have easy access to it.
𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺
We are proud to have Juanita , a GP and Lisa, a nurse from our club who selflessly donate their time to this cause. Their commitment to providing medical care and support to those in need is truly inspiring.
𝗔 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀
But our service doesn't stop there. Some of our members also lend their talents in the kitchen, preparing warm, nourishing meals to distribute to the individuals visiting the van. It's about addressing immediate needs and showing that we care.
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Our involvement with Street Side Medics exemplifies the Rotary spirit of 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. It's about forging connections, extending compassion, and making our community a better place for all.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀
We send heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers who dedicate their time and resources to this vital cause. Your efforts are changing lives and making a positive impact.
𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, we continue to serve our community with compassion, one act of kindness at a time. Thank you for being a part of this journey!
𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲!
If you're in our local community and would like to volunteer your time for any of our projects, we welcome you to get involved.
Visit www.castlehillrotary.org.au/contact-us to learn more and join hands with us in service.
#RotaryCastleHill #CommunityService #StreetSideMedics #Compassion #MakingADifference
Members Spotlight
Rotary Member Spotlight: Making a Difference in Timor-Leste . We're thrilled to shine the spotlight on our incredible member, Laura Camphuis! Laura recently embarked on an inspiring journey to Timor-Leste, where she dedicated her time and passion to facilitate the Rotary program known as RYPEN.
Rotary Member Spotlight: Laura Camphuis - Making a Difference in Timor-Leste
We're thrilled to shine the spotlight on our incredible member, Laura Camphuis! Laura recently embarked on an inspiring journey to Timor-Leste, where she dedicated her time and passion to facilitate the Rotary program known as RYPEN.
🌱 What is RYPEN?
RYPEN, which stands for Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment, is a transformative initiative that has been running since 2007. It's all about empowering teenagers and young adults, helping them develop crucial life skills, leadership qualities, and a sense of purpose.
A Life-Changing Opportunity In Timor-Leste, the impact of RYPEN is profound. Every year, 60 bright young minds are sponsored into this program. What's truly remarkable is that over 1000 young teens apply for this opportunity annually! The people of Timor-Leste are immensely grateful to have this chance, and they value the RYPEN course as highly as a university degree.
A Ticket to a Bright Future The benefits of RYPEN don't end with graduation. Workplaces highly value RYPEN graduates, recognizing their leadership potential and the valuable skills they bring to the table. For these young adults, it's not just about getting a job; it's about contributing to their community and making a lasting impact.
Laura's dedication to this program is a shining example of the Rotary spirit - making a positive difference where it's needed most. We're immensely proud to have Laura as part of our Rotary family!
Run For The Hills 2023
In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected, it's heartening to witness moments when communities come together for a common cause. Such a moment unfolded in Castle Hill, where Castle Hill Rotary's "Run for the Hills" project took center stage, showcasing the incredible power of unity, compassion, and determination.
Run for the Hills: A Local Success Story of Community Spirit
In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected, it's heartening to witness moments when communities come together for a common cause. Such a moment unfolded in Castle Hill, where Castle Hill Rotary's "Run for the Hills" project took center stage, showcasing the incredible power of unity, compassion, and determination.
A Race with a Purpose
"Run for the Hills" wasn't just any race; it was a race with a purpose. From the moment the idea was conceived over 18 years ago, the aim was crystal clear - to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need within our community. It was a call to action that resonated with the people of Castle Hill, and they answered with enthusiasm.
Community at its Finest
The success of this project wasn't solely measured in miles run or dollars raised; it was measured in the smiles exchanged, the bonds formed, and the warmth that enveloped everyone involved. Volunteers, participants, sponsors, and spectators all came together as one, reminding us that when a community unites, incredible things can happen.
Supporting Local Initiatives
Proceeds from "Run for the Hills" went directly toward supporting local initiatives, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the area. From educational programs to healthcare services, the impact was real, and it was immediate. The spirit of generosity flowed freely, demonstrating that by supporting one another, we build a stronger, more resilient community.
A Celebration of Determination
The event celebrated not only the determination of the runners who conquered the hills but also the determination of a community that refused to turn a blind eye to those in need. It was a celebration of the belief that, together, we can overcome any obstacle, no matter how steep.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect back on the success of "Run for the Hills," we're filled with gratitude for everyone who played a part in making it a reality. But this is just the beginning. The spirit of community, compassion, and determination that fueled this project continues to burn brightly within our club and local residents.
Join Us on the Journey
If you're inspired by the story of "Run for the Hills" and want to be a part of our ongoing efforts to make a difference, we invite you to join us. Whether it's through volunteering your time, supporting our initiatives, or simply spreading the word, your involvement can help us achieve even greater things together.
At Castle Hill, Rotary we believe in the power of community, and we're excited to have you on this journey with us. Together, we'll continue to write stories of hope, compassion, and unity that inspire us all.
Stay tuned for more updates on our future projects, and let's keep running for the hills of a brighter, more compassionate future.