Have a
coffee, save a life: Join the fight against polio!
Have you
ever thought that the value of a cup of coffee can save a life? We believe it
is possible, and we invite you to be part of a global effort to eradicate
polio. With this fundraising campaign,” Have a coffee, save a life”, we seek to transform an everyday habit into a
significant contribution to eliminate this devastating disease.
What is
polio and why we continue to fight?
Polio is a
highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects children under five
years.
Although
there is no cure, it can be prevented with a vaccine that costs less than two
cups of coffee. The disease can cause permanent paralysis, and in some cases,
is fatal. Since 1985,
Rotary has
been at the forefront of the fight against polio, working with organizations
such as WHO, UNICEF, and the CDC to vaccinate millions of children around the
world.
Although we
have managed to reduce global polio cases by 99.9%, the recent reappearance of
polio in Palestine – a region where it had been eradicated years ago – reminds
us how vulnerable this fight remains, especially in areas affected by armed
conflict such as Gaza.
This is an
urgent call to continue vaccination efforts and ensure that no child suffers
the devastating effects of this disease again.
How does
"Have a coffee, save a life" work?
The
"Have a coffee, save a life" initiative is a campaign organized by
the Rotary clubs of District 2202, which covers communities in Cantabria,
Navarra, the Basque Country, La Rioja, Aragon and Catalonia. The idea is
simple: invite people to donate the value of a coffee – approximately 1.5 euros
– to finance polio vaccines. With just 3 euros, the four doses needed to
protect a child for life can be covered.
The
campaign is based on a custom as deeply rooted in our society as drinking
coffee. Now, this routine can become an act of generosity and solidarity.
Imagine, with the price of your next coffee, you can help save lives and be
part of a global cause.
Why is
your contribution crucial now?
Despite the
achievements, polio remains a threat in some parts of the world. War conflicts,
such as the one currently affecting Palestine, create conditions that
facilitate the resurgence of polio due to the lack of access to vaccines, clean
water and adequate sanitation systems.
Polio has
also reappeared in countries such as the Congo and Madagascar, where it had already
been eradicated.
We cannot
allow decades of effort and billions of dollars invested to go to waste. Polio remains
a threat, and the fight to eradicate it, must continue.
In
addition, many people who once suffered from polio, now face post-polio
syndrome, a debilitating disease for which there is still no cure. The more we
vaccinate today, the fewer children will suffer the consequences of this
disease in the future.
How can
you help?
By donating
just, the value of a coffee, you'll be funding life-saving vaccines. Every euro
counts! Rotary International ensures complete transparency in the management of
funds, working with governments and international organizations to ensure that
every dose of vaccine reaches those who need it most.
This
campaign is our response to the recent resurgence of polio in conflict zones, a
situation that shows how fragile our fight remains. We need your help to ensure
that this disease does not devastate the lives of millions of children.
Rotary
International: Leader in the fight against polio
For more
than 30 years, Rotary International has been a key player in the fight to
eradicate polio. Together with our partners, we have vaccinated more than 2.5
million children, preventing millions of cases of paralysis and saving more
than 1.5 million lives. However, the fight is not over.
Our goal is
simple but ambitious: to eradicate polio forever. With your support, we are
closer to achieving this goal.
Join the
campaign!
This year,
we are particularly moved by the reappearance of polio in Palestine and other war-affected
regions. We cannot let our guard down. Every small gesture, such as donating the
value of a coffee, brings us one step closer to the total eradication of this
disease.
Remember:
with just 3 euros – the cost of two coffees – you can finance a complete polio treatment
and save a child's life.
If you want
to follow how the "Have a coffee, save a life" campaign is
progressing in each of the points of our district, do not forget to follow it
on our social networks:
Instagram, Facebook,
LinkedIn and YouTube.
There we
share every step and achievement of this joint effort!
Together,
we will make history!
Have a coffee,
save a life.
