PEOPLE OF ACTION PROJECTS
CONTENTS
Solar lights in the Dominican Republic..........................2 Water filtration in Laos.......................................................6 Feeding the hungry at St. Vincent’s Kitchen...............14
Dominican Republic
SOLAR LIGHTS
THE CHALLENGE
The availability of electricity in the vicinity of Consuelo and the countryside is confined to the towns and communities close to the main highway. Even then the electricity is only available for no more than 6 hours at a time, usually from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Our solar light project supplies light to homes in the countryside where electricity is not available. We have installed lights in houses accessible to electricity but the occupants have no means to afford it. The small communities of cane cutters earn only when the cane is cut in the vicinity of their homes, and even if there is work, the pay is pitiful and hardly sufficient to support a family. The solar light system provides 3 LED lights powered by a small solar panel and a 12 volt battery. The only item that needs replacement from normal use is the battery. Our experience to date is that the life span of the battery is in excess of 5 years. As it is a standard motorcycle battery, it can be purchased in the Dominican Republic. The system supplies no cost lighting to homes, replacing kerosene lamps and candles that were safety and health hazards. All year long darkness occurs at 6:30 p.m. so the system has enabled a new evening lifestyle to the recipients. The value of the system is reflected in the length of the waiting list of persons requesting the system. Because the number of installations is limited to around 40 each year, some people have patiently waited for 2 years for their systems.
ACTION TAKEN
We install an average of 40+ systems each year but the waiting list is more than double that. To date we have installed more than 350 systems in areas of the countryside where there is no electrical supply.
POSITIVE OUTCOME
The impacts are immediate and many from cost savings, safety and life changing for all family members. This is reflected in the list of persons requesting the systems each year. Most of the houses in the country are dark inside even in the daytime. Windows are kept shut to keep out the heat. After an installation is completed, the occupants of the house are shown the switches and them system is demonstrated. The reactions are alone an indication of the value of the lights. We have also installed lights in many of the small churches in these communities, allowing the use of the facility during evenings. Submitted by: Whitby Sunrise Rotarian, Bob Jarvest
WATER FILTRATION For The Rural Villages of Northern Laos
THE CHALLENGE
Laos remains the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world, a result of the Vietnam war of the 60’s and early 70’s. While the impoverished country continues to recover from the devastating effects, the rural villages suffer from the basic necessities of life, specifically clean water to drink. Every rural village is affected and 100% of these villagers continue to suffer from diarrhea, even after boiling their water. Many of these villages are virtually cut-off from health-care and civilization during the monsoon rains. Water borne bacteria wreaks havoc with the immune systems and additional health problems result in shortened life spans, reduced productivity, poor attendance in schools, lower income, and infant mortality rates are significantly elevated. That was, until members from the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise and Adopt A Village in Laos (an Ontario, Canada registered charity), stepped in to make positive change.
ACTION TAKEN
With the assistance from Rotarians (also on the board of Directors of Adopt A Village in Laos), and Rotarians from several Districts across Canada, thousands of family water filters have been distributed to more than 45 rural villages in mostly mountainous regions of Northern Laos, along with basic hygiene training. To date, approximately 25,000 rural villagers have been positively affected, with almost 5,000 ceramic-based water filters, distributed. Many of the villages are difficult to get to, let alone the transfer of filters. The results from clean water have been nothing less than astounding.
POSITIVE OUTCOME
As explained by the village chiefs whenever we return to their village, diarrhea (caused by water borne bacteria) is no longer a factor or threat in daily living. Students rarely miss a day of school, meaning better education, more productivity in the rice fields are resulting in higher yields and more wealth. Hard earned money is not spent on healthcare for related ailments and infant mortality is almost non-existent. Life expectancies have also been on the rise over the last 10 years of our involvement. For the first time in their lives, there is disposable income, as noted when we see children playing with real toys, or eating ice cream. As a further positive change, the villagers no longer need to waste valuable wood to boil the water every few hours, resulting in a lower carbon footprint. Submitted by: Whitby Sunrise Rotarian, Steve Rutledge
SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
Whitby Sunrise Rotarian Steve Rutledge is passionate about helping the people of Laos. Steve, president of Adopt a Village in Laos, spends about four months each year investing his time to help the most remote areas in Laos. These villages have never recovered from the ‘Secret’ war of the 1960’s. The average lifespan is only 56 years and average age is only mid– late 20’s, caused by poor quality water, poor hygiene and general poverty. Through Steve’s hard work and dedication, and with help from people like YOU, an incredible difference has been made in the lives of so many families just from the availability and benefits of clean water. Solving real problems takes commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world! To learn more about this inspiring project, visit adoptavillageinlaos.wordpress.com or join us at one of our weekly meetings (Wednesdays at 7am, Royal Oak - Whitby Shores).
This past winter, Rotarians from the Whitby Sunrise Rotary Club traveled to Laos to distribute family water filters in rural Laos in connection with Adopt a Village in Laos. Each family in this rural village, along with 34 other villages, now has a water filter. Over 20,000 people now receive clean water! With the elimination of water borne bacteria, each village has progressed from 100% of the residents suffering from diarrhea, to zero. Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. We are people of action. Each of us CAN make a difference!
Whitby Sunrise Rotarian Steve Rutledge is passionate about helping the people of Laos. Steve (president of Adopt a Village in Laos) spends about four months each year investing his time to help the most remote areas in Laos where the average lifespan is only 56 years and average age is only mid–late 20’s—the result of poor quality water, poor hygiene and general poverty. Pictured here, Steve is giving an information/education session on hand washing, safe food preparation, and how to properly care for their new water filters. This creates a dramatic change in the quality of life for the people of this village who will no longer suffer from the debilitating effects of intestinal distress. Through Steve’s hard work and dedication, and with help from people like YOU, an incredible difference has been made in the lives of so many families just from the availability and benefits of clean water. Solving real problems takes commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world! To learn more about this inspiring project, visit adoptavillageinlaos.wordpress.com or join us at one of our weekly meetings (Wednesdays at 7am, Royal Oak - Whitby Shores).
Durham Outlook
St. Vincent’s Kitchen
THE CHALLENGE
St. Vincent’s Kitchen has been operating for several years with various church organizations doing the preparation of meals for 180 people in the morning, followed by a full hot meal service to our guests that evening. Our Rotary Club was one of the first non church related groups to become involved. Some of the churches were having a difficult time getting enough volunteers to both prepare and serve the meals. Our guests include some men and women, and even families, that are having difficulty making ends meet. Many have personal challenges such as mental illness, or drug use, or disabilities of some type.
ACTION TAKEN
The Administrator asked if our Rotary team would like to prepare the meal in the morning, or, serve it at supper. We realized that we have some very talented chefs in our club, and some really eager volunteers. The result was that we chose to do both preparation and serving, and have done so for the past 7 years. The morning begins with our prep crew arriving to sort and choose the evening meal, based on the generous donations from local Grocers and wholesalers. Then the team prepares in 3 hours meals for 180 to 200 guests—from scratch! Their ingenuity always amazes both guests and ourselves. The afternoon team comes in to find warming trays of meats, vegetables, homemade soup, fresh bread, salads and desserts all ready for service.
POSITIVE OUTCOME
The result of our involvement has been twofold. Firstly we are very proud to serve a really healthy balanced meal to our guests. We treat our guests as if they were in a fine restaurant and try hard to make them feel a little more cheerful when they leave. No matter where they are from or what burdens they carry, all are equal in our eyes, and deserve our care and compassion, and a great meal! Secondly, the regular experience brings us together as a Club. There is nothing better to build Rotary Fellowship than to be working together for a common goal. Submitted by: Whitby Sunrise Rotarian, Blair Buchanan
SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
On the second Thursday of every month, a crew from the Whitby Sunrise Rotary Club volunteers at Durham Outlook For The Needy—St. Vincent Pallotti’s Soup Kitchen. The crew consists of Rotarians, spouses, family, friends, and colleagues who come together with one common goal—to create a healthy, tasty meal for members of our community who are less fortunate. The work of the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise impacts lives at both local and international levels, from helping families in need in our own community to working toward a polio-free world. Are you looking for a way to make a difference in your community or communities around the world? We have a project happening that needs you.
Every month on the second Thursday, Whitby Sunrise Rotarians volunteer at Durham Outlook - operating St. Vincent Pallotti’s Kitchen. The crew consists of Rotarians, spouses, family, friends, and colleagues who come together with one common goal—to create a healthy, tasty meal for members of our community who are in need. Uniting individuals and communities, we are Rotary—we are People of Action.
Service Above Self
RotaryWhitbySunrise.com
