Michael came to my wife, Cora, and I and said ‘what are you celebrating?’ Cora said ‘my husband coming back alive from a slum in N India: some bombs had just gone off where he had been the day before’.
So the story came out; I had joined the Indian government’s National Immunisation Day in April this year. So Michael offered us a benefit evening, champagne and canapés on him and a lovely meal for 90 people which the Rotary Club of Canterbury would organise.
More than £2000 was raised at this fine dining for the Polio Plus campaign to provide a final push to rid the world of this killer disease. Diners enjoyed a three-course menu devised by the ABode Hotel’s executive chef, Mark Rossi which was expertly cooked by the Sous Chef of the ABode, Toby Lin.
Richard said: “In Lucknow my fellow UK Rotarians and I joined local health young little children in just one day.” He added: “This event at the ABode shows that the Clubs in the UK are behind those volunteers who keep on going into the slums where this awful disease is endemic.”
Richard continued: “The money we raised at the dinner will go to buy the vaccine itself and help give the local campaigns in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Nigeria an important boost. Although some of the countries are making good progress, more effort is needed in Africa as the campaigns are struggling.”
Michael Caines said: “I liked this campaign as it seems well supported by local people in the affected areas. Certainly no child is safe whilst this awful disease remains active and I am glad to support this fundraising by the Rotary Club of Canterbury.” He added: “I’m happy that this event is repeated next year.”
For more information about Polio Plus:
