Speaker - Steve Rutledge

The Rural Villagers of Laos

For the last several years, Rotarian Steve Rutledge has been serving the rural villagers of Laos with the most basic of needs including water for villages without (9), schools (11 projects – 7 schools), dozens of toilets along with student and intern teacher support.  His biggest accomplishment is the provision of water filtration for over 12,500 rural villagers, along with hygiene training for each family.

The presentation will include brief history of Laos and its struggles, colourful description of what “Adopt A Village In Laos” has done to provide the basic necessities of life and to give the villagers hope of a better future, and also some interesting stories and cultural differences.​

Steve is a member of the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise and recently received Every Day Hero recognition and award. He grew up in Georgetown Ontario and spent his career as co-owner of a mid sized computer company in Toronto.  Since retirement he has narrowed his focus on community support locally and internationally. 

Steve 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 dual Paul Harris award recipient for his community and international support (2 clubs).  

With his partner they have created a number of large events including one they held in their home netting $61,000 for the Capitol theatre and another town event for 6000 people.

For more information, visit their website and facebook page