Barry introduced Steve Rutledge, who talked about his projects in Laos.
Steve spent his career as co-owner of a mid-sized computer company in Toronto. He has served on several boards and committees in Port Hope, including the Municipal Culture Committee, Parks, Rec and Culture Committee, Skatepark Committee, Capitol Theatre Board of Directors, and others. He has received two civic awards, the latest for philanthropy, and is a multiple Paul Harris award recipient for his efforts (Port Hope, Whitby Sunrise, Ajax, Coquitlam Sunrise, and Beirut Cosmopolitan) and was awarded the Spirit of Rotary award in 2016. In 2018, he received the Family and Community Service award from the Rotary Club of Courtice. His most recent significant award was the Bob Scott Disease Prevention award from Rotary District 7070 in June 2020.
For the last 15 years, Steve has served the rural villagers of Laos with the most basic of needs for sustained life. Since 2009, Adopt A Village in Laos has completed over 90 villages with filtered water one family at a time, serving over 500,000 rural villagers, constructed or repaired over 2 dozen permanent water supplies, built dozens of toilet banks, 13 school construction projects and continues to sponsor university students, feminine hygiene training and kits to hundreds of secondary students, plus other special interest projects.
After the Beirut port explosion in 2020, Mr. Rutledge chaired the international sponsoring partner club committee (Whitby Sunrise club) and raised approximately $240,000 from 60 clubs towards a global grant to replace operating theatre equipment for Beirut’s only public hospital. Steve is also the Foundation Chair and a member of the International Committee at Whitby Sunrise. He is also a member of the District 7070 Water and Sanitation Committee.
Steve began by announcing the annual Whitby Ribfest fundraiser, now featuring Big Wreck. Tickets are priced at $50 each, and the event expects to sell out all 2000 tickets. The event aims to compensate for decreased profits from traditional fundraisers due to fewer people drinking, with $5 from each ticket sale going back to the clubs. Six hundred tickets have already been sold without significant advertising. The discussion shifted to the challenges faced in fundraising this year compared to previous years, despite completing three major water projects and building a school. The target was 650 water filters, but they managed to provide 875. Steve highlighted a video showcasing these projects, including community center expansion and water tank construction.
Steve addressed the difficulties encountered during a water project, particularly the lack of village involvement due to many students coming from outside the village. The presentation included visuals of water projects, schools, and volunteers, emphasizing the challenges of accessing remote locations and the health issues faced by volunteers. Steve mentioned the importance of hygiene and providing school supplies, including a can of fish, which is a significant meal for families. Steve covered the sustainability and maintenance of water projects, including water treatment methods and challenges such as river blindness and contaminated water sources. Steve emphasized the importance of research before implementing water projects and the challenges of securing and compensating teachers in the sponsored schools. Steve noted that teachers often rely on the school community's support due to a lack of government payment. The budget and funding sources were discussed. The annual budget ranges from $250,000 to just over $300,000 CAD. Rotary contributes about $70,000 to $80,000, with additional support from organizations like Global Change for Children and private individuals. Steve mentioned a bridge tournament that significantly contributed to the funding. Steve also discussed providing school supplies, medical equipment, and sponsorships for students, including support for triplets' schooling. The water filters are locally sourced, and the deteriorating road conditions pose logistical challenges. Steve highlighted the resilience and positive attitude of the local people despite the difficult conditions.
Courtney thanked the speaker. Courtney shared a personal reflection on the speaker's work's impact, particularly regarding the bombing in Laos and the role of individuals in making a difference. The participants thanked the speaker for his work and presentation. Steve is planning the next trip to continue the projects.
Alan Meredith.
Alan asked for happy bucks:
Danny was happy that his team of four riders had raised $20,360.00 for Princess Margaret Hospital. The 220km ride is on June 7th.
Gerd told us about his two dogs and their upcoming operations—one for an ACL and the other for a new hip. Gerd will be walking alone for some time.
Gerd suggested that we adapt the King's land acknowledgement, which he used during his recent throne speech.
Example adaptation:
The Rotary Club of North Scarborough would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Wendat, Anishinaabe, Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Haudenosaunee people. This land acknowledgement recognizes our shared history as a nation. While continuing to deepen our understanding, it is our great hope that in each of our communities and collectively as a country, a path is found toward truth and reconciliation, in both word and deed.
Alan was happy to see Steve's presentation.
With nothing more for the good of Rotary, President Gordon closed the meeting.
Barry introduced Steve Rutledge, who talked about his projects in Laos.
Alan Meredith.
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