The Rotary World’s Greatest Meal and Global Swimarathon projects have been phenomenally successful, raising over US$1m for End Polio Now when matched funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is added.
More than 30,000 people took part in the events, which were organised by over 1,000 Rotary clubs in 50 countries spanning six continents. The World’s Greatest Meal alone raised over US$ 500,000 with 300 fundraising meals taking place around the globe.
Mukesh Malhotra of the Rotary Club of Hounslow said: “These were very simple ideas which came from humble beginnings. With the extraordinary commitment and support of Rotarians all over the world and the use of social media, we have been able to break records, generate worldwide publicity and raise enough money to protect millions of children from polio. A big thank you to everyone who took part.”
Rotary’s next big fundraising push for End Polio Now will be on World Polio Day in October.
