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RI Director helps to End Polio Now

RI Director helps to End Polio Now

  RI Director Gordon McInally has made a New Year resolution with a difference as he faces up to the challenge of taking part in the 2009 Loony Dook. Gordon, 51, is currently serving his second year on the Board of Directors, but on 1 January 2009 he will be diving into the icy waters […]

 

RI Director Gordon McInally has made a New Year resolution with a difference as he faces up to the challenge of taking part in the 2009 Loony Dook.

Gordon, 51, is currently serving his second year on the Board of Directors, but on 1 January 2009 he will be diving into the icy waters of the River Forth in his hometown of South Queensferry, near Edinburgh, Scotland to raise money for Rotary’s $100 Million Challenge.

"Having made a personal donation to the campaign, I was anxious to do something more and to find a personal challenge that might attract further donations to the campaign as well as raising awareness among non-Rotarians" says Gordon. "Realising my marathon running or sky diving days are probably behind me I have decided to take part in the annual Loony Dook sponsored swim which takes place each year in our home town"

This world-famous event, which first took place on 1 January 1987, involves what is now a huge number of people, many in fancy dress, aged from 8 to 80 taking a plunge in the River Forth in the shadow of the famous Bridges. From small beginnings, with only a handful of "dookers", there are now up to 500 participants and approaching 3000 spectators each year from literally all over the world. Whilst hitting the freezing waters of the River Forth is quite a shock to the system, apparently,it’s much worse coming out into the freezing cold air, although Gordon is encouraged by the fact that his wife, Heather and daughters, Sarah and Rebecca, have promised to be standing by with towels and hot soup to revive him.

Still working, in the busy dental practice he owns in Edinburgh,Gordon has served Rotary in many capacities and was District Governor of District 1020 in 1997-98 and President of RIBI in 2004-05 before joining the Board of Directors in 2007.
"Already, friends and patients have been very generous and,whilst I know many Rotarians have already contributed to the $100 Million Challenge, I hope this initiative might encourage them to give a little more" said Gordon. "Even a few dollars will make a huge difference and mean Rotary can meet the challenge and finish eradicating Polio from the face of the earth".

You can sponsor Gordon by visiting his online fundraising page on www.justgiving.com/gordon_mcinally. You can pay by credit or debit card. Where supporters are UK taxpayers,the charity will automatically receive 28% extra in Gift Aid, which makes Just giving the most efficient way of sponsoring Gordon.

 

02/12/08

 

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