Over 400 mobility aids, including 270 wheelchairs, are being distributed to individuals throughout the islands of Kiribati following a humanitarian donation by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints earlier this year. The wheelchairs and other equipment were gifted to the Kiribati Government at a ceremony in Tarawa in May.
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"There are many people who are suffering throughout the region, and one of our church's aims is to relieve suffering and help people become more self-sufficient," local Church leader Iotua Tune said today.
The wheelchairs and other aids were given to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to assist the ministry as it serves the people of Kiribati.
The Minister of Health and Medical Services, the Honourable Dr. Kautu Tenaua, expressed gratitude for the new equipment noting that it will make a difference in the lives of many people.
The wheelchairs and other mobility aids will be given to persons with disabilities throughout Kiribati by the Rehabilitation Department of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
"As a church we seek to do good in the world," says President Tune. "Thanks to the donations of our members around the world, and the volunteer service of our humanitarian missionaries, we are identifying needs in communities and responding as best we can. We do what we do because of the example and teachings of Jesus Christ."
Read more about Latter-day Saint humanitarian services.