LDSC, PfP Sign New MOA for Wheelchair and Vision Projects

To help improve mobility and vision impairment of patients, Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC) and Physicians for Peace signed a new Memorandum of Agreement for their wheelchairs and vision projects.

The two long-time partners signed the MOA on 16 October at the administration office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The agreement was a renewal of LDS Charities’ commitment to helping Physicians for Peace in their advocacy to help the poor, relieve the suffering of the sick and alleviate the world of the needy.

Those present were Jairus Perez, LDSC Humanitarian Manager; Elder and Sister Singleton, welfare missionaries assigned to Wheelchairs; Elder and Sister Owen, welfare missionaries assigned to Literacy and Specials Projects; Franco Advincula and John Balledos, Self-Reliance Managers; and Edith Bausing, Church Service missionary.

In his short remark, Perez said “As Christians, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ only interest is to follow the Savior, Jesus Christ—to help with no strings attached because we are all brothers and sisters. It is not how much we give, but that the Light of Christ should show in our hearts.”

Lyn Abadilla, a representative for Physicians for Peace, received the 1,070 wheelchairs, 450 pieces of walkers and crutches after the MOA signing.

As vision affects academic performance in school, the MOA also cover for vision tests for 15 schools. Additionally, each school will receive 50 pairs of eyeglasses for underpriviliged learners who have poor vision, with a total of 750 pairs.

Continuing Partnership

Since 2015, the partnership between Latter-day Saint Charities and Physicians for Peace has grown. As both organizations have the same mission and vision, they aim to ensure that the help they extend will not just benefit families but also the communities.

“The success of the foundation is the labor of love by the doctors, surgeons, and ophthalmologists who are willing to donate their time and resources for the sake of the less fortunate,” said Abadilla.

Charity in Action

Latter-day Saint Charities is the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's established as an application of the admonition of Jesus Christ, which is to care for those in need, especially the poor, sick and afflicted.

The kind of assistance that the organization provides is not just to alleviate suffering but to help individuals and families become self-reliant in the long term. Their signature programs include Clean Water, Neonatal Resuscitation Training, Vision Care, Wheelchairs, Immunization, Food Production, other health programs, and Emergency Response.

Latter-day Saint Charities work by partnering with government agencies, non-government organizations, charitable institutions, hospitals, and other agencies.