Elder Gong with Solidarity Foundation
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated approximately 10,000 wheelchairs to the Solidarity Foundation in Paraguay over the past 13 years. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited the foundation with his wife, Susan, on November 11, 2024. © 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Elder Gong met with Óscar Mersán Mr. Galli, president of the board of directors, and other leaders from the foundation. The meeting marked a new milestone in joint efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals with reduced mobility.
A renewed commitment to accessibility and inclusion
Most recently, the Solidarity Foundation received 1,576 wheelchairs and 330 assistive devices donated by the Church. These donations include models tailored to specific needs, such as postural chairs for children with cerebral palsy and mobility aids like canes and walkers.
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During the event, 17 wheelchairs were delivered to beneficiaries in Asunción, including two specially designed for children with cerebral palsy. This donation is part of 42 outreach sessions scheduled over the next two years across the country, funded in collaboration with Itaipu Binacional, an energy company that supports sustainable development of communities.
Impact and sustainability of the project
Since 2011, the Solidarity Foundation, with the support of the Church, has distributed 10,000 wheelchairs in Paraguay. This strategic collaboration has improved the mobility and autonomy of thousands of people and promoted the development of specialized teams for evaluation and prescription.
The recent donation will enhance the foundation’s capabilities by enabling the creation of an additional team based in Asunción. It will also ensure the program’s continuity until 2025 and help reduce the waiting list of over 800 people who need a wheelchair or assistive device.
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The event was also attended by Church leaders Elders Alan R. Walker and Eduardo Gavarret of the South America South Area Presidency, along with their wives, Inés and Norma. Elder Robert Rivarola, an Area Seventy, was also present.
Representing the Solidarity Foundation, in addition to Mr. Galli, were Roberto Urbieta, vice president; Gabriel Durquet, secretary; and María Mersán, a member of the board of directors.