The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints has generously donated to the health sector once more.

The church presented a container of 218 wheelchairs, 40 walkers, 102 pairs of crutches, 25 canes, walking aids and wheelchairs on Wednesday. The donation is valued at $129,802.

 “It was just one year ago that my wife and I arrived in Samoa and the first thing we did we came to a hand over ceremony for another container of wheelchairs so we are grateful we have the opportunity to be able to help the people of Samoa with these wheelchairs,” Elder Valenga said.

“But what we really want to do is help the people not to need the wheelchairs. We would like to be able to work closely with the Ministry of Health to be able to find a way that we can do that and resolve this.”

Minister of Health Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama accepted the donation.

“This gift of wheelchairs provide accessible transportation which is crucial to our people who need them as it not only offers people with disabilities a great freedom and independence but also encourages their participation and full integration into society,” he said.

 “These wheelchairs will allow more people with physical disabilities to be mobile.

“It allows for easy and safe transportation of patience within the hospital and in so many ways change the lives of those who have lost mobility or unable to physical illness to be mobile.”

The Minister of Health added that this is not the first time the L.D.S has donated to the National Health Services.

“The L.D.S Church Charities have generously donated 760 wheel chairs and walking aids to the NHS bringing the total number of mobility devices secured to date to 2,019,” he said.

“This is the 3rd container 40ft long of devices since 2014 donated from L.D.S Church Charities is worth $51,921USD equivalent to about $129,802SAT.

“Devices donated are 218 wheelchairs, 40 walkers, 102 pairs of crutches, 25 canes, walking aids and wheelchairs services commence in November 2014 and the diabetic foot clinic commence in July 2015.

“The prosthetic and orthotic service commenced in January 2017.

“Since this service began 1, 156 wheel chairs, walking aids or orthotic devices have been provided to 842 Samoan women, men, boys and girls by trained mobility devices services personnel of 13 local staff trained as mobility device assessors and Australia Volunteer Prosthetic/Orthotics.”