PWDs receive wheelchairs, crutches

CEBU, Philippines - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, LDS Charities and the Rotary Club of Cebu West yesterday led the distribution and measurement of around 25 wheelchairs to physically-challenged  individuals.

Cebu City councilors Alvin Dizon and Roberto Cabarrubias graced the affair held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Templex Cultural Hall in Lahug, Cebu City.

Past Rotary International District 3860 Governor Toto Cupin said that the activity was the outcome of the one day Wheelchair Training conducted last October wherein trainees were taught and certified as wheelchair technicians while dozens of physically-challenged individuals were measured and custom-fitted with wheelchairs.

Aside from wheelchairs, some sand walkers and crutches were distributed to individuals in need.

Cupin said that more supplies will be coming in the next two months for distribution in other areas like Bogo City.

Edmark Dumas, the stake president of Cebu City Philippines Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, said that the activity formed part of the teachings of the church.

Dumas said that the activity is aimed at touching the hearts of the needy to somehow improve  their lives and gain confidence in themselves.  LDS Charities primary community development programs include clean water, neonatal  resuscitation training, vision care, wheelchairs, immunizations, food  production, and other health programs.

LDS Charities is an application of the admonition of Jesus Christ to help others in need.

“We hope you enjoy the new wheelchairs,” Dumas told the beneficiaries.

Dizon, in his speech, lauded the LDS Charities for its “exemplary generosity and compassion” in initiating the project.

Other partners of the project are the Philippine Air Force who brought the items from Manila, Rotary Clubs of Cosmopolitan San Juan, Mactan and Stella Maris.

Dumas said that they coordinated with other agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development in identifying the needy sector where they can best extend their help.

This time, he said, they selected the wheelchair recipients to be those persons with disabilities who are struggling for a living to make them easier to go to and from their place of work. (FREEMAN)