David spent many years as an engaged member with his Rotary club in Manitoba, eventually relocating to British Columbia for retirement. In our first conversation I learned of his many Rotary adventures, international conventions and more. He enjoyed reminiscing about the happy times.
I also learned of his fragile health condition and his need to get his final affairs in order. It was an important conversation. His vision was to help others avoid the terrible fate of his young sister, a victim of polio and a survivor.
He told me of those early years when as a big brother he was responsible for massaging her atrophied legs, trying to cheer her up and entertain her after school. He was heartbroken to live this experience with her, even all these years later.
His donation to the Rotary Foundation Canada to help End Polio was matched 2:1 in action through Rotary's partnership, and one that would protect children under the age of five in at-risk countries from contracting this crippling disease. It was a remarkable donation. One that has ensured vaccine protection for 225,000 children through the work of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), for which Rotary is a founding partner. A brother's gift to honour one life by protecting thousands.
Written by RI staff-Senior Major Gift Officer, Carolyn Ferguson.