A RAAF Hercules has delivered early Christmas presents to disabled youngsters within the Philippines.
Working in partnership with Wheelchairs for Children Australia (WFK), the Air Pressure in November flew 48 all-terrain youngsters’s wheelchairs from RAAF Base Richmond to Clark Air Base within the Philippines, the place they have been distributed by Angeles Metropolis RSL.
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WFK has labored with Angeles Metropolis RSL within the Philippines since 2014 as a part of its wider mission, which has seen 65,900 all-terrain and totally adjustable youngsters’s wheelchairs delivered to greater than 80 nations since 1996.
“We have now assembled and gifted 768 chairs of all types thus far. Recipients are recognized at our medical missions, which we conduct in a variety of barangays (villages inside suburbs) on the primary Saturday of eight months of the 12 months,” Gary Barnes, president of Angeles Metropolis RSL, mentioned.
“The importance of the RAAF’s help in transporting these wheelchairs to the Philippines can’t be understated.
“With out it, we might not have the ability to proceed offering wheelchairs to youngsters with disabilities, and nonetheless help the welfare of our members and, importantly, our veterans.”
The RAAF has flown 95 donated wheelchairs to the Philippines this 12 months, for a complete of 225 since October 2022, utilizing “alternative cargo” – the place RAAF plane already going to a given location can use unallocated area to move cargo at no further price.
“Whereas not at all times a assure, alternative cargo has saved the Angeles Metropolis RSL greater than $60,000 in business delivery prices in addition to the time and assets required to fundraise such a big sum,” Defence mentioned.
Flight Lieutenant Run Soorian, Officer In Cost of the RAAF part, mentioned the RAAF had labored along with the Philippines Air Pressure (PAF) to make a distinction to youngsters in want.
“This has been one of many highlights of my deployment. It was a big logistical effort carried out by the RAAF and the PAF,” Flight Lieutenant Soorian mentioned.
“The transport and storage of kids’s wheelchairs have been dealt with fully by volunteers and members who stepped up of their very own accord for the larger good.
“Being a part of this effort has given me a profound sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.”
