PEOPLE OF ACTION PROJECTS
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