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 CYCLE
TO WALK
Supported by Rotary clubs in Canada
 The
World Health Organization says “more than 10 million
children will be paralyzed in the next 40 years” if we fail
to eradicate polio. Polio is a viral infection that can
result in paralysis, respiratory problems or even death.
Global immunization is ongoing, but it remains endemic in
India, Pakistan,
Afghanistan
and
Nigeria.
In Canada,
the immunization rate against polio is at 89%; leaving
nearly four million Canadians (11%) vulnerable to this viral
infection. According to WHO calculations, the rate of
immunization is presently low enough to put Canada at risk
for at least localized outbreaks.
“As long as a single child remains infected with the
poliovirus, children in all countries are at risk of
contracting the disease. The poliovirus can easily be
imported into a polio-free country and can spread rapidly
amongst immunized populations. Between 2003 and 2005, 25
previously polio-free countries were re-infected due to
importations.” - (WHO)
Canadians should be aware that in addition to the threat of
new polio infections, more than 10 million polio survivors
worldwide are living without access to the rehabilitative
support that would enable them to overcome the devastating
physical effects of polio.
 A
28-year-old
polio survivor, Ramesh Ferris was adopted
from
India
by Canadian parents in 1982. He visited India in 2002 and witnessed the
devastating reality for polio victims who do not have
rehabilitative supports. Upon his return to
Canada, Ramesh vowed to
help. This is how his polio awareness fundraiser “Cycle to
Walk” was born.
Cycle to Walk Campaign
April 12, 2008: anniversary of the release of Salk's polio
vaccine, Ramesh Ferris commences his epic journey. He will
hand cycle 7,200 km from Victoria
in British Columbia to
Cape Spear Newfoundland
to raise money and awareness for polio.
Money raised will be distributed in three ways:
How Rotary clubs will help
Of contributions made to Cycle to Walk, 75% of proceeds will
flow to PolioPlus via the Rotary Foundation of Canada. These
funds will be identified by “Cycle to Walk” as being
contributed by each Rotary club so that each club
will receive RI
credit for them and they will be matched by the Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation and by the Google Foundation.
Rotary Club of Victoria and Rotary Club of Whitehorse are
the current sponsors of the campaign. Read the latest blogs
and follow Remesh's journey at
http://www.cycletowalk.com/
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