What is the Purple Pinkie Project?

It’s an activity that’s been done at elementary schools across the country to raise awareness for Rotary International’s polio eradication efforts. In 1985, Rotary International began raising funds in an effort to eliminate polio worldwide. By partnering with the World Health Organization and other government and private groups, Rotary International has achieved a 99 percent reduction of polio worldwide. However, there are still two countries where polio is endemic—Afghanistan and Pakistan. To completely wipe out polio, Rotary International is raising funds and mobilizing volunteers to bring immunization projects to these areas. 

We work with schools in Presque Isle and surrounding schools -and partner with other Aroostook County Rotary Clubs and businesses- to raise money for the End Polio Now Campaign.  We collect classroom sponsorships, which allow all students, teachers and school staff to participate at no cost to them. Then we visit schools on or around October 24 - World Polio Day - share facts and information about polio eradication and then "paint" their pinkies purple. Why purple pinkies? Well, each time a Rotary volunteer administers a polio vaccine in impacted countries, a child’s pinkie is colored purple with the topical solution Gentian Violet - temporarily marking him to prevent double dosage. Instead of our students receiving a vaccine and getting a purple pinkie, they’re participation ensures a vaccine is given to a child in need and their purple pinkie helps remind them of the important work they’re helping achieve!

SPONSOR A CLASSROOM

Rotary is an international community that brings together leaders who step up to take on the world’s toughest challenges, locally and globally. The eradication of polio is one of our longest standing and most significant efforts. Along with our partners, we have helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children against polio in 122 countries and we won't stop until we end the disease for good. Learn more