Q:I think it's wonderful that The Rotary Foundation received a US$100 Million Challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. I know as a club we need to raise funds to match the grant during the next three years. How do I get some of our younger club members or Rotaractors excited about eradicating polio when most of them never had to worry about contracting polio?

It's wonderful that for many people in the world today contracting polio isn't a concern. I remember when I was in elementary school in Canada, several of my friends contracted polio. Also, my wife, Joan, had a mild case, which is why we have always been so interested in the cause.

Unfortunately, polio is not gone and is still a concern in some parts of the world. And while it exists anywhere, polio is still only a plane ride away for any of us. Our goal is the eradication of polio so no one ever again has to worry about polio the way my wife and I once did. Now, on the last and most challenging part of our mission for global polio eradication, it's essential to get everyone informed and involved — including Interactors and Rotaractors.

As supporters of PolioPlus, it is our responsibility to continue to raise awareness about the status of global polio eradication and the need for continued financial support. You can help by coordinating interesting programs and speakers for clubs, districts, and Interact and Rotaract clubs. Rotarians in your area who have participated in a National Immunization Day are an excellent resource. You can also contact Rotaractors and Interactors in polio-endemic and high-risk countries to learn more about their firsthand polio eradication activities. Raising awareness can help inspire individual Rotarians, clubs, districts, Rotaractors, and Interactors to hold fundraisers to raise money for polio eradication.