The World’s Greatest Meal at Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport

News
27/03/2017

Over 70 Rotarians came together to enjoy The World’s Greatest Meal at Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport, on Tuesday 21st March, as part of The Rotary International’s fundraising initiative.

Polio is a highly contagious virus which attacks children under the age of five and can cause paralysis and even death. Rotary pledged to rid the world of polio back in 1985, when over 1,000 cases a day were being detected across 125 countries. In 2016, there were 37 cases worldwide in just three countries. The dinner, organised by The Rotary Club of Yardley and Sheldon was also attended by Susanne Rea, who being a polio survivor herself spoke of her experience in an inspiring address.

Until 2018 every US dollar that Rotary commits to polio eradication becomes three dollars, thanks to a 2-to-1 match from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Microsoft co-founder states ‘As long as polio threatens even one child anywhere in the world, all children – wherever they live – remain at risk. The stakes are that high’.

The Trio of desserts served featured a mini scone, topped with Rotary ‘Purple4Polio’ Wilkin & Son’s Limited jam, which is also being sold to raise money to fund the Polio vaccines. Nicola Corfield, Director of Sales at the newly re-furbished Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport said ‘we were delighted to be given the honour of hosting The World’s Greatest Meal and for the opportunity to support such a fantastic cause’.

The total amount raised on the night, with Bill Gates uplift was £1,749, which equates to 3,598 children who will be vaccinated against Polio as a direct result. Rotarian Gary W Dancer. PHF. DGN said ‘Yardley and Sheldon RC are very grateful to Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport for their wonderful support and hospitality. We are delighted to have a strong partnership with the Hotel management and the fantastic staff, which allows us to do this vital work on behalf of every child in the world’.

The Rotary Club of Yardley and Sheldon meets every 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday at 6.45pm at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport and potential new and existing Rotary members are always made welcome.