–submitted by Sharyn Alden
Mark Maloney, Rotary International Foundation Chair, passionately shared the impact of the Foundation’s “Magic Wand.”
On a balmy day in May, Rotarians were taken on a mesmerizing journey around the world. Mark Maloney explained how Rotary is making a difference in many ways, especially in global health, in some of the world’s most challenging circumstances.
There are seven themes of Rotary International’s focus, but Polio Plus is the # 1 initiative that puts Rotary front and center in the world. “We would still be ‘sitting at the children’s table’ if we weren’t doing the magic of this work,” he said. Ninety-nine new polio cases cropped up last year. Immunization is challenging work. In some countries going house-to-house is not permitted, and defunding of aid has hurt.
He explained, “We shouldn’t say what can we do, but rather, how can we work around it? The point is we need to get immunization drops get into children’s mouths.”
More than ever, Rotary contributions matter. “With your help,” he said, “we WILL eradicate polio. Right now, you’re saving someone’s life.”
If you missed our meeting this week, you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/nVJ6xzNqogg.
Rotary Club of Madison, Wisconsin 