Posted by Brian Finley on May 26, 2019
On a beautiful sunny morning, over 120 Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, and friends gathered at the River Market on the New Westminster quayside for this year's Walk to End Polio.. The event was held to raise awareness about Rotary's goal to eradicate polio and to raise funds to help finish the task.. We were joined by Rotarians from the Philippines who are visiting on a Rotary Friendship Exchange. Numbers are not finalised, but close to $10,000 will have been raised from donations, sponsorship, and sales of End Polio shirts.
 
The day began with MC Carina McClelland setting out the day's agenda and introducing the opening remarks by DG Darcy Long. Mayor Jonathan Cote (New Westminster), MLA Anne Kang (Burnaby-Deer Lake), District End Polio Chair Brian Finley, and Committee Chair Gabor Gasztonyi.
 
Then an aerobic warm-up got the muscles loose and the blood moving, and everyone headed out on the walk along the Fraser River. There were two routes - 2K and 5K and the majority took the longer.
The Heartbeats Band played under the Rotary tents and welcomed everyone back after their walk. Many stayed and enjoyed refreshments or lunch in the wonderful weather.