As we all deal with the novel coronavirus COVID-19 situation, we find ourselves in an environment where social distancing and/or isolation are currently the new normal, with almost all gatherings discouraged and facilities closed, and little ability to forecast when these restrictions may be lifted.  Consequently, and with sadness, the RCWO has cancelled this year’s M4H concert.

 

As you can imagine, this will have a significant impact on our ability to contribute to the End Polio Campaign, when we are so close to eradicating wild polio viral infections - as of February, there were only two countries in which new cases of polio had been reported.  And even when polio has been eliminated from Afghanistan and Pakistan, there will be a need for on-going monitoring and follow-up activities around the world to ensure that polio does not re-emerge.

 

If you, or your family members or friends, had been considering buying tickets for the April 18 concert, I would ask if you are still willing to contribute to the Rotary End Polio Campaign, even in the absence of our concert.  For tickets already purchased. we will be processing refunds in the near future; however, I would ask that you consider donating the ticket refunds to the End Polio Campaign.

 

Any funds donated to the Rotary polio eradication campaign will still qualify for a 2-for-1 match from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, so every $25 we raise becomes $75 in the efforts to have a polio-free world.  Donations of more than $25 will be eligible for a tax receipt.

 

There are three easy mechanisms if you wish to make a donation:

 

            e:mail: westottawarotaryclub@gmail.com for more details

If you wish to donate your ticket refund, please let, Linda Flynn or me know

 

If we are able to reschedule the 2020 concert for later this year, event regulations and performer availabilities permitting, every donation of $25 will be eligible for a no-cost ticket to the event.

 

I appreciate your consideration, and hope you will be able to help us make this a safer world, the current pandemic notwithstanding!

 

Stay safe and keep well

 

Yours in Rotary Service,

 

Pardeep Ahluwalia

Rotary Club of West Ottawa Club President

pa.rcwo@gmail.com