- Wheelchair1.jpg
- GMA-KF-2.jpg
- GMA-KF-3.jpg
- GMA-KF-4.jpg
- GMA-KF-5.jpg
- GMA-KF-6.jpg
- GMA-KF-7.jpg
- GMA-KF-8.jpg
- GMA-KF-9.jpg
- GMA-KF-10.jpg
- GMA-KF-11.jpg
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The core purpose of LDS Charities (LDSC) is to help relieve the suffering of individuals and families, and to help them become self-reliant in the long term. True to its mission, LDSC together with GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMA KF) led the turnover of 35 wheelchairs in San Roque Gym in Cebu City on 09 July 2018.
The wheelchairs, which consisted of standard and specially fitted devices, benefitted senior citizens and young children with disabilities like spina bifida, improving their mobility in the long run. One recipient who sells ice candy received a customized type of wheelchair powered by his arm from LDSC to help him in his livelihood.
"I never expect this to happen," said Ritchell Catormo, a recipient who has been a vendor for six years. He expressed his happiness saying that it will help him provide for his family, especially his three-month-old baby. “God used someone to help answer my prayers. I have no word enough to express my gratitude to Him,” he added.
Ms. Angeline Alpuerto, head of the Tabang Minglanilla Foundation, which is a group of volunteers who assisted in the distribution of wheelchairs, described her experience during the turnover ceremony. "A person's happiness is priceless," she said after witnessing the event.
Before the turnover and distribution of wheelchairs, trained wheelchair assessors and technicians conducted a fitting session with the recipients to ensure the comfort of each user.
Present in the turnover ceremony were representatives from LDS Charities, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Tabang Minglanilla Foundation, the wheelchair recipients and their families. President Arnulfo G. Gorgonio, stake (diocese) president of the Cebu Philippines Central Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was also present in the event.
Wheelchair Distribution is one of the major projects of LDS Charities. It aims to help individuals with mobility issues become more mobile and self-reliant. The humanitarian arm of the Church distributes wheelchairs through partnerships with local agencies. They train wheelchair assessors so they can determine properly the size and type of wheelchair a recipient will need.