The lives of many disabled people from Ninh Binh Province will be bettered thanks to a donation programme directed by the Latter Day Saint Charities (LDSC).

Hearing aid donation by the Latter Day Saint Charities and Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation.

75 wheelchairs and 26 hearing-aids were distributed to people with mobility and hearing impairments by the private, non profit charity agency LDSC in coordination with Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation (VVAF) on June 30 at Tam Diep Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Centre at Tam Diep Town, Ninh Binh Province.

“These donated wheelchairs and hearing-aids will provide the users with confidence, better self-reliance and the most significant thing is more chances of integration into their community,” said Dr. Vu Van Trinh, Vice Director of the Tam Diep Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Centre.

“I joined the army and attended battles in Cambodia. Both legs are completely paralyzed. Previously, I could not do anything by myself because I can’t walk. My daily activities will not totally depend on my children. Furthermore, I can help them look after my grandchildren. I am very happy to receive this donated wheelchair,” shared joyous veteran Nguyen Trong Truong, 67.

This is the second major donation of wheelchairs from the LDSC to the VVAF this year and the seventh one in Vietnam since 2003. Currently, 2,072 people with mobility impairments have received wheelchairs in 11 north and central provinces.

“My husband and I were soldiers. He was affected by Agent Orange and passed away over 20 years ago. My son is a second generation agent Orange victim. He is 30 now but can not speak even a word or move. All his personal activities are taken care of by only me. My hardships be lessened with the help of this wheelchair,” said Do Thi Nu, living in Ninh Phong Ward, Ninh Binh City.

Ardell Talbot, LDSC Country Director for Vietnam shared, “It’s our desire as a charity organisation to be involved in helping the needy and handicapped people here in Vietnam to secure a better and more productive life for themselves and their families. The wheelchairs and hearing-aids are purchased through private donations to our charity. Our pay day comes as we see the smiles when the patients receive our gifts.”

Additionally, for the year 2010, the organisation has decided to donate $15,000 through the Dioxin Resolution Initiatives in Vietnam (DRIVE) programme to assist 80 children and adults with hearing impairments in Thai Binh, Ninh Binh and Nam Dinh provinces. This is not only to help enhance their hearing abilities bust also give children with disabilities the chance of opening up a world of education, work and social life for their future.

A doctor from the Tam Diep Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Centre gave instructions on how to use a wheel chair