Kawartha Lakes and Rotary Club raise flag to mark World Polio Day and celebrate global progress toward eradication

Kawartha Lakes – On October 24, 2025, in recognition of World Polio Day, the City of Kawartha Lakes joined the Rotary Club in a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall to celebrate the tremendous progress made in the global fight to end polio, and to reaffirm their shared commitment to a polio-free world. 

Rotary members across Kawartha Lakes and around the world are taking action today to raise awareness, funds, and support for the eradication of polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that continues to threaten children in some regions. 

“This is a day to raise awareness of the actions we can take to continue the fight to eradicate this disease that still affects children around the world, while also acknowledging how far we have come,” said Mayor Doug Elmslie. “What is remarkable is the progress – polio cases have been reduced by more than 99% worldwide due to a collaborative and united approach that is grounded in scientific evidence and medicine. It is possible for us to eventually witness the eradication of Polio and it would a great symbol of what we can achieve when we come together and set our sights on a worthwhile goal.” 

The City also extended thanks to the Rotary Club for their efforts and encourages everyone to support their events and reach out to them to find out how to get involved. Visit Rotary.org and endpolio.org for more about Rotary and its efforts to eradicate polio.  

Polio anywhere is a threat everywhere, and Rotary members have long worked to end the paralyzing virus, which will be only the second human disease ever to be eradicated. To sustain the reduction in polio cases worldwide and continue to reach every child with the polio vaccine, Rotary has committed to raising up to $50 million USD each year to support global polio eradication efforts. The Gates Foundation has renewed its pledge through 2029 to match that 2-to-1 for a total yearly contribution of up to US$150 million.  

About Rotary 

Rotary brings together a global network of community leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. We connect 1.2 million members from more than 45,000 Rotary clubs across the world. Their service improves lives both locally and internationally, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.  

--- 

Staying Connected 

Activate your Jump Inbox to be the first to know about municipal news and events. Connect with us on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. 

- 30 - 

Media Inquiries 

Media are welcome to visit our Media Portal for high resolution images.