Auchterarder unites to fight Polio

Feb 9 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

RESIDENTS in south-west Perthshire will band together today to raise funds for the global fight against polio.

Pupils from Auchterarder Community School are joining forces with the local Rotarians and other community figures for a series of fun-filled events.

Donald Ramsay, vice-president of Auchterarder and District Rotary Club, said eradicating the debilitating disease was one of the group’s long-term goals – as well as raising cash at a local level.

Mr Ramsay continued: “We’ve been fundraising to stop the spread of polio for the last 20 years.

“When we started, the World Health Organisation sad there were approximately 125 countries where polio was a significant problem.

“Now there are only four on the list. We’re expecting around 1000 people to take part over the course of the day, hopefully it will enjoyable for everyone.”

The youngest fund-raisers are taking part in a scavenger hunt supported by local countryside ranger Richard Armstrong and the school’s Duke of Edinburgh award group.

Others will embark on a treasure hunt through the town, while secondary students plan to dress up in the same colour, purple, during a special non-uniform day.

Any money generated will go towards the international Thanks For Life appeal – which aims to fight the ravages of polio in the likes of Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan.

The colourful theme is a tribute to the purple dye placed on a child’s finger once they have been inoculated against the disease.

Championed by the World Health Organisation and children’s welfare group UNICEF, a series of similar events are planned across the globe to raise further funds for the appeal.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates has said he will match the collective total as part of his work with the charitable foundation that bears his name.