Adopt a Village.Laos

Peter Masson made a brief comment on the need for the use of a bigger room for our weekly meetings.

Basil and Gerd gave an update on some future events.

Mike Mushet. Our guest from the Sunrise club of Whitby, Steve Rutledge’s ticket was drawn, he picked the magic marble and got the $5.00 prize which he graciously donated back to the club.

Allan Meredith. He wanted to find out how many people were following the just concluded the world league and asked for the team that won, Roland List and Mandy Nwobu paid two bucks each for not knowing the answer. Allan then went into Happy and Sad Bucks – Peter Masson, Gordon Brown, Arthur Retnakaran, Basil Dias, Gerd  Wengler and Mike mushet all shared their moments and each made a donation

Steve Ruteledge, The president of Adopt a Village in Laos was introduced by Allan Meredith.  He is a Rotarian on the International Committee responsible for Asia at the Whitby Sunrise Club, a recipient of two Port Hope Civic Awards, a recipient of two Paul Harris Awards.  He has also been nominated for the Order of Ontario.  He took his time explaining to the club all that his organization has been doing in their bid to provide clean water for the indigenes of Laos

 and their livestock.  He took his time explaining his NGO’s attempts at raising funds for the projects especially with the water filter, completion of the water tank, completion of the school without a roof or chairs.  He spoke of the possibility of building another school.  He also explained that his organization would be making a refund for some funds they raised for the purpose of providing water and toilet for a particular school.  He stated that his team had been made to believe the said school was large but discovered on getting to the school, that only 17 pupils were registered.  He stressed that it would amount to a waste and did not see the need to continue with it.  Steve explained how his NGO has been working jointly with other NGOs to see that the indigenes needs are well taken care of.  His most urgent call is for the young boy in grade 8 whose eye - sight he thinks could be restored by transplant.  He said the clan has since told him to take the boy for a son.  His presentation was made through video and slides. He stressed that the mortality rate in the area has gone down.  He reiterated that he has noticed quite a bit of blindness but cannot attribute it to river blindness for lack of proper diagnosis.  Dhanni Ramdeen thanked him for taking the time to visit and made a presentation of $3000.00 to him from the club.

Gerd Wengler thanked all for attending, stressing the need to bring interesting speakers to meetings to enhance and attract members to our meetings.

To Hear Steve's presentation please click on this link:   Rutledge.MP3