A project initiated by the late Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin continues to help those unable to move around on their own.
Project Saolotoga provides wheelchairs to individuals, service providers as well as the hospital and Department of Health clinics.
Following the 2009 tsunami Faleomavaega had discussions with the American Wheelchair Foundationfor assistance for local residents in need of wheelchairs but couldn’t afford them.
As a result of the discussions private donations from the Foundation and one of its benefactors Dan Danielson and family made the first delivery of wheelchairs possible.
It was called Project Saolotoga, capturing the sense of freedom the wheelchair users have when they’re able to navigate on their own.
This week Project Saolotoga which is coordinated locally by Faleomavaega’s sister, Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin Finau and her son, Patrick Ti’a Reid, with the help of volunteers, were delivering brand new wheelchairs to homes and facilities that use them,
Reid says by the end of next week, they would have delivered 280 wheelchairs to homes and facilities.
UCEDD, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, donated covid prevention care packages which were distributed with the wheelchairs.
This is the 4th delivery of wheelchairs since 2010.
