Crocus puts focus on polio eradication campaign

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council recently joined forces with Jolly Tots Childcare in Antrim and Abbey Community College in Newtownabbey to support the local Rotary Clubs’ ‘Focus on the Crocus’ campaign.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Nov 2015, 09:54 BST
Mayor Thomas Hogg joined Leonard Sproule, President of the Rotary Club of Newtownabbey, staff and pupils from Abbey Community College, Rotary Club members, council workers and volunteers from Ballyearl Allotments for the crocus bulb planting event at Ballyearl, part of Rotary's work in support of the international End Polio Now Campaign. INNT 46-513-SOMayor Thomas Hogg joined Leonard Sproule, President of the Rotary Club of Newtownabbey, staff and pupils from Abbey Community College, Rotary Club members, council workers and volunteers from Ballyearl Allotments for the crocus bulb planting event at Ballyearl, part of Rotary's work in support of the international End Polio Now Campaign. INNT 46-513-SO
Mayor Thomas Hogg joined Leonard Sproule, President of the Rotary Club of Newtownabbey, staff and pupils from Abbey Community College, Rotary Club members, council workers and volunteers from Ballyearl Allotments for the crocus bulb planting event at Ballyearl, part of Rotary's work in support of the international End Polio Now Campaign. INNT 46-513-SO

Over 5,000 purple crocuses were planted at Antrim Forum and Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre to raise awareness of Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio across the globe.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg, was delighted to help with the bulb planting.

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“These purple crocuses signify the purple dyed finger of every child within the programme who is vaccinated against polio. I would like to thank Jolly Tots and Abbey Community College for their help to plant the crocuses and support this invaluable campaign,” he commented.

Leonard Sproule, President of Newtownabbey Rotary Club said: “Since the programme was started in 1985, the disease has been reduced by 99 per cent and remains endemic in just two countries – Afghanistan and Pakistan.”

Heather Montgomery, President of Antrim Rotary Club added: “Our aim is to raise awareness and money for the eradication programme. For every £1 raised the Bill and Melina Gates Foundation will donate a further £2.”

• See more pictures in this week’s Times (on sale November 18)

Related topics:AntrimNewtownabbey Borough CouncilNewtownabbey