Helmut Kutin, Long-Time President of SOS Children's Villages, Dies at 82

Helmut Kutin, who served as the president of SOS Children's Villages for 27 years, passed away at the age of 82. Kutin dedicated his life to improving the lives of children around the world through his work with the international charity organization.

Born in 1941 in Bolzano, South Tyrol, Kutin found a new home in the first SOS Children's Village in Imst, Austria, following a family tragedy. Before taking on leadership roles within SOS Children's Villages, he worked in the tourism industry. In 1967, Kutin built and ran the first Vietnamese SOS Children's Village in Ho Chi Minh City.

Kutin went on to represent SOS Children's Villages in Asia, overseeing the construction of more facilities in the region over the years. He succeeded Hermann Gmeiner as President of SOS Children's Villages in 1985, a position he held until his resignation in 2012.

Why this matters: Helmut Kutin's tireless efforts and leadership at SOS Children's Villages positively impacted the lives of countless children worldwide. His legacy serves as an inspiration for those committed to providing care, support, and opportunities for children in need.

Siddhartha Kaul, the current President of SOS Children's Villages International, praised Kutin's contributions, stating, "Helmut Kutin was an outstanding leader who dedicated his life to making a positive impact on the lives of many children around the world through the SOS Children's Villages organization." Kutin's passing is a significant loss for the organization and the children it serves, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide the work of SOS Children's Villages in the years to come.

Key Takeaways

• Helmut Kutin, former president of SOS Children's Villages, passed away at 82.
• Kutin dedicated 27 years to improving children's lives through the international charity.
• He built the first Vietnamese SOS Children's Village and expanded the organization in Asia.
• Kutin's leadership positively impacted countless children worldwide, inspiring future work.
• His passing is a significant loss, but his legacy will continue to guide SOS Children's Villages.