Aroostook Goes Purple for Polio

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (WAGM) - Today is World Polio Day, and Aroostook County residents are showing their support with purple paint. Schools around the county participated in this year’s Purple Pinkie Project, put on by the Rotary Clubs in Aroostook, where every donation goes toward eradicating polio worldwide. From classrooms to college campuses, Aroostook County is united in purple today. Schools throughout the county, including Pine Street Elementary in Presque Isle, are participating in this year’s Purple Pinkie Project. Classes took turns getting their pinkies painted for the cause.

Raylynn Kinney, a 2nd grader at Pine Street Elementary said: “It’s like it’s money for the medicine. I saw my class when I was done getting my purple pinkie done and I saw them just getting their pinkies done and some of them had a big smile on their face.”

Lillia Amero, another 2nd grader adds: “It tickles.”

Kinney, “My favorite part is when we get to get our pinkies painted and then put them on the paper and then write our names by that. That’s the fun part.”

While elementary students were getting painted in their classrooms, nursing students at the UMPI campus center took their efforts to the community with a Purple Pinkie Drive-thru, gathering donations from locals.

Danielle Cyr, a Senior in UMFK’s Nursing Program said: “Today we’re raising money to fund the Polio vaccines. Just to spread some Polio awareness. What we do is it’s at least a dollar. People can always donate more to get their pinkie painted purple, and then they can sign their name. They can take a sticker. Thank you for everyone who has donated to the Polio vaccine awareness to help spread the funds. It’s really appreciated. Even if you just donate a dollar, it means the world to us.” With continued efforts from caring individuals there were less than 10 cases of Polio worldwide. Here in Aroostook County, one purple pinkie at a time, residents are helping finish the job of making polio history.