B4
HEALTH & WELLNESS
By: Gabby Sta. Maria
State New Council Development &
Round Table Chairman, PDD,PFN,PGK
Knights of Columbus
The Canadian Wheelchair Foundation estimates that there are at least 100
million children, teens and adults across
the world, who need a wheelchair, but
cannot afford on e.
As a registered charity, the Canadian
Wheelchair Foundation helps transform
the lives of people by helping them with
their mobility, one wheelchair at a time.
The Knights of Columbus is one of
the foundation’s partners in delivering this
gift of mobility.
Since 2003, the Knights of Columbus has sponsored the delivery of tens
of thousands of wheelchairs to people in
need all over the world.
In July 2016, a delegation from the
B.C. and Yukon Knights of Columbus
contributed to this exemplary legacy of
compassion and community service.
Led by State Deputy Arcie Lim, the
delegation travelled to the Philippines to
deliver wheelchair across the country.
The delegation included State Community Director Frank Visentin and wife
Susan, and former State Public Relations
and Communications Chairman Edgar
Ursua and wife Priscilla.
Lim is thankful for all who have made
the mission a success.
“Everywhere we went, the show of
hospitality from our hosts is truly commendable,” according to Lim.
“To share the gift of mobility is an experience beyond words can fully describe.
The sharing of joy and of hope is an act
worth trying in your lifetime,” Lim also
said.
Lim added: “This journey of hope
was made possible by you, and we thank
you enormously for your kind generosity.
Your help and donation made a difference
in the lives of many people.”
Ursua reported on the mission in
a special edition of the B.C. and Yukon
Knights of Columbus newsletter, starting
with the distribution in Pangasinan.
Wheelchairs were distributed on July
2 in Asingan, Pangasinan with the help
of Knights of Columbus Council 10643.
Neighbouring councils from District
UO3 led by District Deputy Jose Bernabe
Romero greeted the Canadian delegation.
“The distribution was held inside
the Saint Louis Bertrand Church, founded by the Dominicans in 1669. We were
privileged to have the event graced by
the Most Rev. Jacinto A. Jose, Bishop of
the Diocese of Urdaneta,” according to
Ursua’s account.
“One of the recipients was a little boy
with cerebral palsy. The joy that is evident
on the faces of each recipient and their
immediate family members makes any
form of fatigue on our part disappear. It
was a wonderful and emotional occasion and despite the very humid and hot
weather, you see smile of thanks and happiness on everyone’s face,” Ursua wrote in
his report.
Brother Rodolfo Antonio from British Columbia coordinated with the locals
of Pangasinan Knights of Columbus in the
distribution.
The next stop on July 3 was in Tarlac
City. The delegation met up with Council
PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY August 16 - 31, 2016
B.C. and Yukon Knights of Columbus delegation
delivers wheelchairs to the Philippines
3655. In addition, Lim distributed wheelchairs in Concepcion, his birthplace.
Bishop Florentino Cinense, who is
the Bishop Emeritus of Tarlac, graced the
distribution in Tarlac City.
In his speech in Tarlac City, Visentin
talked about what the mission meant for
him.
“For me, this is a very humbling experience,” Visentin said.
According to Visentin, there were
many individuals and organizations in
Canada who have contributed to the purchase of the wheelchairs.
“I feel fortunate that I was chosen to State Deputy Arcie Jose Lim (centre) led the Knights of Columbus in British Columbe a part of the Philippines team and to bia and Yukon in its delegation to the Philippines to distribute wheelchairs to needy
actually be able to meet the recipients of recipients. In photo, from left, are State Community Director Frank Visentin and wife
Susan, and former State Public Relations and Communications Chairman Edgar Urthese wheelchairs,” Visentin said.
The third leg of the journey on July sua and wife Priscilla
5 and July 6 was in Tacloban City in the
province of Leyte. Monsignor Ben Catilogo blessed the wheelchairs at the opening ceremony held at the Sto. Nino Parish
social hall in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines
The last stop was two back-to-back
distribution days on July 7 and July 8 in
Metro Manila.
The success of the mission has inspired Lim and the membership of the
Knights of Columbus in British Columbia
and Yukon. According to Lim, “To be able
to share the gift of mobility creates a sense Wheelchair distribution at the Sto. Nino Parish hall in Tacloban City in the province
of accomplishment that pushes us to do of Leyte
more.”
Arcie Lim with a young beneficiary who
suffers from a movement disorder
A broadcast journalist with ABS-CBN, the
largest TV and radio network in the Philippines, interviews State Deputy Arcie Lim
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