Posted by Ray Hook, Perth
Rotary International has been working to eradicate polio in the world for the last thirty years with stunning success, with only three countries remaining in an endemic state. Rotarians have helped to immunize over 2.5 billion children around the world.  Rotarians will not stop in our efforts to eliminate this disease.
 
Dutch Rotarians have led a most unique program to benefit our fight. In 2013, they purchased the rights to name and develop a new variety of tulip bulbs. The idea has “blossomed” into an internationally successful fundraiser, with more than 1.5 MILLION bulbs being sold, and so far, generating more than $2 MILLION (US) to Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign. To date, Switzerland, Germany, France, and the USA have joined with Holland.  Canada is now in its second year.
 
Vesey’s Bulbs of PEI is Canada’s sole supplier of this unique bulb. Every step along the way, donors have provided such funding that over $18 from each $25 box (of 25 bulbs) goes back to Rotary International, to be matched 2 to 1 by the Bill Gates Foundation!
 
So, where does the Perth Rotary Club enter the picture? . The Club was excited about the idea and ordered 250 bulbs.
By buying these bulbs as a Club, we are giving back to Rotary International for End Polio Now and organizing a
Community Project by adding to our beautiful Rotary Garden in downtown Perth.
Rotarian John Clement was a great help liaising with the town.  
A “planting day” was conducted on Wednesday Oct. 14th, and by next spring, we will see the results.
Rotarian Ray Hook’s wife Elaine came up with the idea last year when she ordered a few boxes of the Rotary
tulip bulbs (Tulp in Dutch) from Vesey’s, and she offered to order some for interested Rotarians in the Club.
The response was terrific, so this year, Elaine suggested that the Club might want to expand the Club’s Rotary Gardens in Perth’s Stewart Park with these special bulbs in time for the World Polio Day on Saturday October 24th.
Next spring you must come and visit the beautiful Rotary Garden and enjoy the tulips!