KELOWNA, B.C. – Some empty-nesters find a hobby to fill the extra time but the Carruthers were so disillusioned, they decided to sell everything to take up charity work in Africa.
“We’ve been living in Kitale, Kenya for over five years now,” says Larry Carruthers, who used to work as a carpentry supervisor. He says they were, “tired of the abundance of materialism and consumerism.”
“It just got to us after a while,” he told Global Okanagan News on a brief visit back to Kelowna. “Everything was just too comfortable.”
The couple began by helping support an orphanage. Realizing the children did better in real homes, they raised money to help support them in adopted homes. Several have gone on to university.
“We have one of our older kids studying medicine,” says Francine Lebel-Carruthers. “It’s his first year in medicine.”
That same orphaned young man has been assisting them in their other ministry; tending to basic medical needs for those living on the streets.
“The government doesn’t help at all,” says Larry, referring to Kenyan infrastructure. “They have no interest in orphans, street children. There’s not a dollar available.”
The Carruthers have acquired a licence and are planning to open a free medical clinic in 2016.
“Most of our clientele in the clinic would be street children, street people, homeless, elderly,” says Francine, a former teacher. “The clinic is free of charge for our patients: the doctor fees, all the medication, the x-rays, blood tests, even surgeries.”
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Through their charity Building Beyond Borders Kenya, they hope to raise $100,000 to build the facility.
It’s a labour of love that has taught the couple much about life.
They are “no longer consumed with purchasing things and needing something else,” says Larry. “It’s very fulfilling. Very fulfilling.”
Their charity work is a ministry of the Kelowna Christian Center.
Larry’s blog has documented their work in Kenya since moving there in 2010. More information is also available on their Facebook page.
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