LDS Charities, the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) had a successful MOA Signing on March 30, 2016 in Davao City to implement the Wheelchair Initiative to improve mobility for persons with disabilities. LDS Charities donated 600 standard wheelchairs and 220 assistive devices such as crutches, canes and walkers to the program. They have also committed to provide training courses to partners.
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LDS Charities was represented by Mr. Kenneth Lee, Welfare Project Manager. Representing SPMC was its Chief of Hospital, Dr. Leopoldo Vega.
Dr. Vega in his welcome remarks, expressed appreciation to LDS Charities for partnering with them in this endeavor, which he said primarily aims to help people with disabilities (PWDs) have improved mobility and productivity.
Mr. Lee said that the distribution of the standard wheelchairs is only the first phase. The second phase will include distribution of Supportive/Intermediate Wheelchairs which are specially designed for clients with Cerebral Palsy.
In addition to the wheelchair program, LDS Charities sponsors five ongoing global projects to help people become more self-reliant. Initiatives include maternal and child care, clean water projects, vision treatment, Benson Food and vaccination. These projects operate without regard to the nationality or religion of the recipients. Mr. Lee explained that these initiatives are their way of following the admonition of Jesus Christ “to help the poor and the needy.”