On Nov. 9, 2018, the Rotary Clubs of Central Aroostook and UMPI will present our 7th annual Purple Pinkie Project.

This effort to raise awareness and funds for worldwide polio eradication includes a full day of Purple Pinkie Project efforts (see Purple Pinkie Schedule for what this is, locations, times and other details).

During our very first World Polio Day and Purple Pinkie Project, more than 1,000 people participated and we raised more than $2,000. We’re hoping to make this year’s event even bigger and better than ever.

Why are we doing this? Polio has not been a problem in the U.S. for many years, but this is not the case in several developing countries. In 1985, Rotary International began raising funds in an effort to eliminate polio worldwide. By partnering with the World Health Organization and other government and private groups, Rotary International has achieved a 99 percent reduction of polio worldwide. However, there are still three countries where polio is endemic—Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. To completely wipe out polio, Rotary International is raising funds and mobilizing volunteers to bring immunization projects to these areas.

Read on for details about our Purple Pinkie Project, our event sponsors and supporters, our past World Polio Day events, and Rotary International’s End Polio Now efforts. And save the date for this year’s Purple Pinkie Project event. Make your mark to END POLIO NOW!