On 1 November 2015, Rotary International raised US$300,000 for the global polio eradication effort, at a concert held at the world-famous KKL (Culture and Convention Center) in Lucerne, Switzerland. The event saw internationally-renowned conductor Giovanni Antonini conduct the Chamber Orchestra of Basel, with a special appearance by South African classical pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout.

Entitled ‘Music for Life’, the event was attended by more than 1,400 music lovers and dignitaries from around the world, including Rotary International President K.R. Ravindran, Rotary International PolioPlus Committee Chair Michael K. McGovern and Global Polio Eradication Initiative Director Dr Hamid Jafari, as well as political, business and community leaders from around the world.

The event was organized by Dr Urs Herzog, National Advocacy Advisor for Rotary Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and himself a polio survivor. “Rotary’s End Polio Now has brought the world to the brink of being polio-free,” he said. “I know first-hand the devastating effect this disease has on children. But together as a global community, we can come together and make sure that no child will ever again be affected by this terrible disease. This concert was really a ‘thank you’ to everyone who has worked, and continues to work, towards making a polio-free world a reality.”

To date, Rotary has contributed more than US$1.5 billion to fight polio. Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.

To donate to Rotary’s PolioPlus programme, please click here