The Rotary Club of Estoi Palace International (RCEPI) organised a fundraising bike ride in conjunction with Activity Algarve Bike Rides on Sunday, November 19 to raise funds for the End Polio Now campaign.
The blue skies and sunshine ensured a good turnout and an enthusiastic group of riders cycled all the way up to the top of the Cerro São Miguel on a challenging 35km round trip starting from Estoi Pousada and ending in front of the church in Estoi.
“Well done to everyone who took part and contributed with donations and sponsorship, raising a total of €1,000,” said Shirley Dunn from the Club.
The polio virus is spread person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can attack the nervous system, and often leads to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine which costs as little as 0.60 cents per dose and a child can be protected against this crippling disease for life. As a result of this campaign, India has been polio free for five years.
In 2007, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation joined the campaign and since 2013 it agreed to match two-to-one every dollar the Rotary Foundation commits to the End Polio Now campaign.
With the 2-to-1 match from the Gates Foundation, the €1,000 donation becomes a total of €3,000 towards the campaign.
www.rotaryestoipalace.org
