PolioPlus / www.rotary.org/endpolio

In 1985, Rotary launched PolioPlus, one of the most ambitious humanitarian programs ever undertaken by a private-sector organization. PolioPlus was the catalyst for the World Health Assembly's resolution in 1988 to eradicate polio. Today, thanks to Rotary International's US$500 million commitment and its leadership in mobilizing volunteers, the world is on the threshold of eradicating the poliovirus.

Rotary International has partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Bank to assist with the goal ending Polio.

National Immunization Day in Moradabad, India photo © Rotary International
A village child peeks from behind an National Immunization Day promotional banner in Moradabad, India. photo © Rotary International

ShelterBox / www.shelterbox.org

If you think one person cannot make a difference, think again. Tom Henderson, a Rotarian from the United Kingdom, was profoundly touched by the plight of persons affected by natural disasters, so he started what is today the largest club project in Rotary history: ShelterBox, Rotary's answer to disaster relief. Shelter boxes are plastic totes that contain materials necessary for survival. Tents, water tablets, a cook stove, pots, bowls, utensils, sleeping bags, ponchos, mosquito netting, tools are included. It helps ten people for up to 12 months. Toys are even provided for children.

Since ShelterBox began seven years ago, over 500,000 persons who have been displaced and rendered homeless as a result of disasters have received assistance. The program has provided comfort and essential items to victims of earthquakes,floods, tsunamis, and tornados in locations such as India, Turkey, Pakistan, Darfur and here in the United States. It provides individuals shelter, warmth and dignity. A four-member ShelterBox Response Team accompanies the totes to locations within 72 hours of a disaster, and stays on site approximately one to two weeks.

Participants attend the House of Friendship at the 2007 Rotary International Convention, Salt Lake City, Utah. photo © Rotary International	ShelterBoxes being carried to deployment in Nepal (2007). photo © ShelterBox
ShelterBoxes offloaded in Myanmar (2008) photo © ShelterBox	ShelterBox camp deployed in Kenya (2008) photo © ShelterBox

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