A Look at Laos

Thanks again to fellow Rotarian Steve Rutledge for his interesting and informative presentation regarding  'Adopt a Village in Laos Foundation', a non-profit organization that provides water filters and other assistance to villagers in Laos. We also welcomed Steve's sister and fellow Rotarian Dawn (RC of New Westminster Noon), fellow Rotarians Jose and Valerie from the Vanc Sunrise Club, Bernice Kling, Amanpreet (Rotaract Yaletown Club), and Arianne (Edgar's guest who is a former exchange student and a recent International Relations and Global Studies graduate who recently moved here from Texas).

 

Steve spends about 4 to 5 months per year in Laos working with villagers to bring water, toilets, and education to their villages.  Steve's pictures really painted a picture for us of life in these villages and of the pride and commitment of the people.  Laos was the most heavily bombed country in the world (during the Vietnam war) and so unexploded shells are a real problem.  The water filters are ceramic pots which are infused with anti-bacterial silver.  The pots are economical ($75 each) and are durable and easy to maintain (gravity fed) so they work well in remote villages with very little resources and infrastructure.  Check out the website at adoptavillageinlaos.wordpress.com or email Steve at adoptavillageinlaos@gmail.com.  Thanks again Steve.