Free wheelchairs for the Philippine poor

By Esther Misa Chavez
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 16:37:00 05/19/2008

San Francisco, CA - One World Institute – there’s no better name for a non-profit organization that sees the world as one sphere linked together by one common thread, our humanity.

For many years, the group headed by Dr. Tom Stern and his wife, Yolanda Ortega Stern, have been donating millions of dollars of medical supplies and services, including antibiotics.

Three years ago, the couple saw a crippled child sliding along on a piece of cardboard. Touched by this heart-wrenching scene, they decided to search for wheelchairs. They would have to be easy to assemble, sturdy enough to be used on rough roads, and best of all, easy to repair. Parts are inexpensive to replace and install.

Today OWI distributes approximately 1,100 wheelchairs each month to the poorest of the poor in the Philippines, from Aparri, Batanes to the north, to down South in Jolo. (One hundred wheelchairs go to Cambodia each month.)

Free Wheelchair Mission of the USA provides the chairs to OWI in Manila. Dedicated volunteers, particularly from Don Bosco and even street children learn and help to assemble them. The Philippine Department of Health, with the assistance of Officer in Charge Marvie Ala, identifies recipients. OWI foots all the shipping costs from the harbor to the barong-barong (shanty) and finally, the recipient.

Good deeds are not lost in a troubled world. Spread the word to those who need this very basic means of improving their life, their world, your world.

One World Institute’s Makati office can be contacted to begin the process of getting on the list to receive a free wheelchair. Call 632-339-3102 during office hours.