They arrived at the Simon Bolivar fairgrounds from different rural areas of the Loja Province to receive a mobility implement. They were children, adults and elderly adults with a variety of health problems, anxiously writing for a free-of-charge wheelchair delivery that la Junta de Beneficencia put together in coordination with the Free Wheelchair Mission Organization.

They were thrilled. Some arrived in the company of their family members, others arrived with friends or neighbors. One of them is Alberto Benigno Pinta who came from Nambocola, a rural Parrish from Gonzanamá, a Lojan Canton, to receive his wheelchair for a traffic accident he endured 8 years ago which severed his left arm and destroyed his right knee.

“I thank you all of you who make these deliveries possible for the rest of my days” Pinta pointed out.

Monsignor Alfredo José Espinoza, bishop from Loja, pointed out that this is the first wheelchair delivery from a total of 250 to be delivered. “Solidary is opening your hand” to extend your hand to someone else. This is what is what la Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil does opening a solidary hand through many hands which open so as to share what you all need, he pointed out.

This year the free wheelchair delivery program which is maintained by la Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil in coordination with international entities has improved the mobility of some 486 persons throughout the country.