A supporter of Rotary and the efforts to end polio, York, Pennsylvania-based Bailey Trailways is creating awareness by dedicating themed graphics on its new 2018 Van Hool CX45. Since 1985, Rotary has contributed nearly $1.2 billion and countless volunteer hours to the protection of more than two billion children in 122 countries. The disease remains endemic in three countries including Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Other countries remain at risk for imported cases.

Polio is a highly infectious disease that causes paralysis and is sometimes fatal. As there is no cure, the best protection is prevention. For as little as 60-cents-worth of vaccine, a child can be protected against this crippling disease for life. After an international investment of more than $9 billion, and the successful engagement of over 200 countries and 20 million volunteers, polio could be the first human disease of the 21st century to be eradicated.

To help create awareness of this need, John Bailey, President of Bailey Coach and a Hanover Rotarian, created a Rotary Coach with his newest Van Hool CX45 coach that he took delivery of this year from ABC Companies, the exclusive distributor of Van Hool coaches in the U.S. Bailey has also donated four weeks use of this coach to do humanitarian work in the eastern U.S. with Rotarians assisting in the efforts.

The coach has been showcased at several events including the Hanover, Pennsylvania Rotary Club luncheon event in October with special guest speaker, John Nanni, a 64-year polio survivor and Rotarian. Nanni, who chairs the Delaware district 7630 Rotary spoke of his experience to continue efforts of building awareness that this disease remains an endemic throughout the world.  

Bailey Trailways is no stranger to designing theme coaches or sharing its resources for charity. Bailey themed his first to honor the military and dedicated it to his father, WWII veteran, Captain J. Bailey. They have also themed coaches for York County Visitors Bureau, Rotary Club and one for Gold Star Families. The company believes highly in giving back to the community and to those in need. They operate an annual veterans trip where they transport 425-plus veterans on eight coaches to Gettysburg for a museum and tour experience as well as to participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Eternal Light Peace Memorial. They also played a very active role in hurricane relief efforts in Texas and Florida in which they sent nearly one million pounds of supplies that they collected.