Bashar Asfour, a polio survivor and esteemed member of Rotary Club Tbilisi Ambassador in District 2452, Zone 21, is embarking on a remarkable endeavor to advocate for and raise funds to eradicate polio on a global scale. As a Jordanian national, Asfour is seeking support and additional sponsorship to cover the estimated €10,000 trip costs, while offering valuable branding opportunities on the sponsored van.
For over 35 years, Rotary International has spearheaded the fight against polio, achieving significant progress in reducing cases by over 99.9 percent through its partnership with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. However, recent findings of poliovirus in London's sewage after nearly four decades underscore the ongoing importance of worldwide polio eradication efforts.
Currently, only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, remain endemic to polio, with wild poliovirus transmission yet to be interrupted. Without sustained eradication endeavors, over 20 million healthy individuals face the risk of paralysis caused by the virus.
In line with its commitment, Rotary aims to raise $50 million annually for the next three years, with every dollar matched by an additional two dollars from the Gates Foundation. This expanded agreement will amount to a total of up to $450 million to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Generously stepping forward, VW/Austria will sponsor Bashar Asfour's project by providing a new eco-friendly electric iD Buzz for the journey spanning August to October 2023. Asfour, seeking additional sponsorship from renowned European brands like Visa, MasterCard, International Banking, Red Bull, Coca Cola, Pepsi, and others, is also approaching Social Responsibility funds to support "My Journey to EndPolio." Notably, several hotels have already expressed their support by offering accommodations in exchange for brand visibility on the van throughout Mainland Europe. The funds raised will cover expenses such as tolls, ferries, accommodations in small towns, and petty cash, with any excess contributed to the EndPolio fund.
The project, aptly named "My Journey to EndPolio," has garnered the backing of influential figures within Rotary International, including the Rotary International President, President-Elect, and European District Governors. Spanning 42 cities across 30 Rotary Districts and encompassing over 16 European countries, including Germany, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, and the Czech Republic, the journey holds tremendous significance.
It is imperative to acknowledge that polio anywhere poses a risk to people everywhere. Until global polio eradication is achieved through vaccination and prevention of infection, all countries remain vulnerable to polio importation.
The "My Journey to EndPolio" trip will travel for 54 days, almost 9500 km, visiting 30 rotary districts in 16 countries, having presentation meetings in 42 cities. Bashar Asfour's unwavering determination and resilience in undertaking this ambitious project serve as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the global effort to end polio.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations eager to make a tangible impact on the lives of millions affected by polio. By supporting this initiative, sponsors will not only contribute to eradicating a devastating disease but also gain significant exposure and recognition throughout the journey.
For sponsorship inquiries and further information, you can always reach them.
Media Contact
Company Name: The Rotary Foundation - EndPolio Program
Contact Person: Bashar Asfour
Email: Send Email
Phone: +995555995872
Address:Rotary Club Tbilisi Ambassador
City: Tbilisi
Country: Georgia
Website: https://instagram.com/myjourneytoendpolio?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
