New Wheelchairs for Tonga

On 23 March 2016, we received a 40 foot container full of wheelchairs, walking aids, and parts for wheelchairs.  We have partnered with the Ministry of Health on this project.  There will be training of 24 people who will become assessors.  Each recipient must be assessed as to their needs.  If a wheelchair is needed, then it is adjusted to fit them properly so that they may not have further health problems.  At the end of this project 560 people will receive wheelchairs and 120 people will receive a walking aid.  Each item must be recorded and kept track of, so that when the recipient no longer needs the item, it will be returned to the assessor so that it may be used by others in need.  What a blessing for the people of Tonga.  Following are pictures of receiving and the Handover Ceremony.  Hope you enjoy them.

The truck has arrived with our container full of wheelchairs.

It is amazing to watch how they remove these big containers from the truck and set in on the ground in just minutes.

There it is, ready to distribute to the Ministry of Health.  They will take what they can store and we will store the rest in our warehouse as we have full time security guards.

Elder Murdock breaks the lock and the contents are revealed.  What a wonderful sight.  We have so many calls for wheelchairs.  There will be some happy people in Tonga!

Here we are getting ready to start the Handover Ceremony.  We do have a small crowd today, but the people that matters are here.

This is Ana Ika, she is the master of ceremony today.

Elder Murdock is welcoming all and thanking them for taking time to be here.  Sister Murdock then gave the report on the project.

Here the doors are opened and Garrick Parr, Tonga Service Center manager, presented the container to the Ministry of Health.

From left to right is, President, Stake President, CEO of  Ministry of Health, Garrick Parr, Tonga Service Center Manager, Elder Murdock, and Director of the Ministry of Health

Here the Direcotr of Ministry of Health is thanking us for providing all these wheelchairs to the people of Tonga.  He stress the need here and how they were not able to provide for their peoples needs.

They all enjoyed the refreshments that we provided for them.

Now is the time for unloading of the container.

The boys are carrying the boxes of wheelchairs to the warehouse.

Sia did take a truck load to the hospital to have on hand there, but they did not have room for all, so they will be stored in our warehouse here where we have 24 hour security.

The room is full, what a beautiful sight.  So many Tongan lives will be blessed through this project.

"I am grateful for the inspired leadership which has formulated the course of action that teaches us to help those among us who need assistance.  This is religion in action."    Howard W. Hunter