On December 25, 2022, we had this year’s final meeting with Vietnamese group. The new infection in Tokyo was 15,403 as of Dec. 23, which was large enough for us to think of cancelling the meeting, applying it to our criteria so far. Since our activities are all outdoors and we seldom work closely to each other or talk loudly, we’ve decided to hold it with a limited number of people.
What we did was to pack the rest of ten wheelchairs for Ukraine and to prepare special types for Malaysia, which was decided just recently. Ten wheelchairs for Ukraine are to depart from Japan in January 2023. We’re sending them to “Wheelchairs of Hope,” which is in charge of this project. It’s a joint project of three NGOs, “Wheelchairs of Hope,” “Go! Fly! Wheelchairs,” and our NGO. We’ve finished preparing ten wheelchairs today. They will leave Japan for Poland within next month and reach Ukraine by land from Poland.
At the beginning of December, Mr. Seyd, our partner in Malaysia and manager of Aleps Dream Factory, requested us that we send him special types such as walking trainers and standing trainers. He wanted orthoses as well. These are used for treating rather than for daily use. We consider that Aleps Dream Factory is aiming at a new development and have decided to meet his request.
We selected 20 walking trainers, 6 standing trainers, 11 sitting aids, and 4 other types. There are 173 pairs of orthoses stored at our warehouse and we’re going to send all of them to Malaysia.
Though it was in the middle of increasing corona infection and with only 11 participants today, we could finish arrangement for both Ukraine and Malaysia. We also finished refurbishing 7 units of wheelchairs. Thank you, everyone! We’d also like to say thanks for your support this year. We wish all of you a happy new year!
December 29, 2022 Secretariat
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(Left)Regular volunteer, Saito, always works only in the morning as he runs a store. Thank you for joining every time.
(Right)Vietnamese group, packing wheelchairs for Ukraine with the support of a staff member.
Walking trainers for Malaysia. We’ve prepared 20 units as of Dec. 25.
Standing trainers.
Orthosis, used for assisting in standing. While we often ask overseas partners if they need orthoses, many of them request wheelchairs alone. The orthoses we’ve received so far are mostly clean and good to use and we’ve kept them carefully. We’re glad to send all of them to children who’re waiting to use them.
Orthoses, 173 in total, are put into 11 boxes and 8 plastic bags.
Working as usual, but away from others.
Lunchtime.
Today’s participants with President Morita (at the right side) and a staff member Takano (at the left side).