Kamal Jeet Kaur “was excited to receive a wheelchair after being bedridden from last year due to spinal injuries,” according to a recent report in the Fiji Sun.
Kamal is one of hundreds of Fijians who will benefit from a recent donation of wheelchairs and other mobility devices in the Pacific nation of Fiji.
LDS Charities, a charitable arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, partnered with Spinal Injury Association (SIA) Fiji to bring 450 wheelchairs, 627 crutches and walking sticks to Fiji to assist people with spinal injuries or who are otherwise in need of support.
Latter-day Saint leader, Elder Taniela Wakolo, presented the donation at a handing over ceremony at the Fiji LDS Service Centre in Samabula, Suva in late January.
Joshko Wakaniyasi , executive officer of the Spinal Injury Association Fiji, and Dr. Pratima Singh, medical officer in charge of the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Tamavua received the donation in behalf of their organizations.
Another official at the ceremony, Verayame Batini Naikolevu, thanked LDS Charities “for their thoughtful contribution and support for persons with disabilities.”
During his remarks at the ceremony, Elder Wakolo quoted from Latter-day Saint scripture to explain why members of the Church place such a high priority on humanitarian and other service: “We believe that when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are only in the service of our God.”
Watch a video featuring the Church’s Pacific Area President, Elder James J. Hamula, further explaining what motivates Latter-day Saints to engage in humanitarian efforts within the Pacific region and worldwide.
Read more about LDS Charities and the Church’s worldwide wheelchairs initiative.