To most of us, 21 January 2009 (California time), is probably nothing particular of note. To the children of the world, however, it is a very significant date – whether they know it or not.



Rotarians would know that the Rotary Foundation’s PolioPlus program is near its completion. In this case, “close enough” is definitely NOT “good enough”. With four countries remaining where the wild polio virus is still endemic (Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan), the world is indeed close to eradicating the polio virus for good. However, the past 20 plus years of polio eradication would be for naught if we do not continue and finish the job Rotary started back in 1985. How and what do that? For most of us, the most effective way to contribute to this effort is by donating to the Rotary Foundation towards its Polio Plus program.
The significance of 21 January 2009 to the children of the world is that on that date in San Diego, California, at the Rotary International Assembly, Bill Gates announced that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded another US$255 million dollars to Rotary International towards the eradication of polio. In response, Rotary will raise another US$100 million for that purpose. That makes a total commitment of US$555 million from the Gates Foundation and Rotary.
RC Southbank is also doing our part, with the Board’s approval in December of a donation of $1,500 (just over US$1,000) towards PolioPlus. Every bit counts and as Rotary has just made a further commitment of $100 million. How can you help? Apart from making donations to the Rotary Foundation, supporting our club is also a great way to assist in the effort to eradicate polio.

Keep up the good work everyone – and we’ll have a lot of fun together!
 

Yours in Rotary,
Gabe

Last week's meeting was held at the Albert Park Bowls Club with over 30 members and guests attending.
The day was hot, but by the time we got to the Club, cool change has arrived and there was a gentle breeze. First things first - drinks! Although drinks were at bar price, the bar price was very reasonable and we were able to relax in the clubhouse whilst the BBQ was prepared by Charles and Stuart, assisted by Gabe. President Gabe announced the opening and closing of the meeting followed by dinner. The food included steak - beautifully cooked by Charles and not burnt at all! We also had plenty of sausages followed by marinated chicken spare ribs. The food smelled so good and was so yummy that we totally forgot to take pictures of it! This was followed by the green salad and potato salad prepared by Bobbi - they were delicious - well done Bobbi!
Once we were well fed and feeling comfortable and relaxed, they wanted us to go outside and play bowls! Well, that was a big task after we have just moulded ourselves into our chairs - we were in no hurry to go anywhere.

Eventually, everyone went outside and it was so pleasant we were equally happy to stay outside and do some bowling. We had an instructor explaining how the game was played and almost everyone had a go at playing. We had a ball - well, balls, actually. I don't know who Jack is but for some reason everyone wants to hit him - or at least to get as close to him as possible! If there are any places I would like to revisit, this has to be one of them.

A HUGE thank you to Bobbi for organising such a great meeting/fellowship event! When is the next one?