Guatemala City, May 28 (CNA) The Republic of China first lady, Wu Shu-jen, presented 50 wheelchairs to a Guatemalan charity for the physically disabled Monday.
Wu presented the wheelchairs to her Guatemalan counterpart, Mrs. Evelyn Morataya de Portillo, on behalf of the Eden Social Welfare Foundation, one of the ROC's major charities dedicated to helping the handicapped.
Wu, who herself has been confined to a wheelchair since being paralyzed after being run over by a car 16 years ago, said the donation conveys the love and concern of the people of Taiwan to disabled Guatemalans. "It also symbolizes the cordial relationship between the ROC and Guatemala," Wu said, adding that she hopes the wheelchairs can help disabled Guatemalan people improve their quality of life.
Wu also encouraged members of the Guatemalan handicapped association to face their ordeals bravely. "Even though life is hard on us, we must find ways and reasons to live. Only by doing this can we lead a decent, meaningful life," Wu said.
In her view, Wu said, countries around the world should give underprivileged people, particularly the mentally and physically disabled, more care and protection. "To my knowledge, Guatemala has set up many organizations to help the disabled based on this concept," Wu said, adding that she admires the devotion of Guatemalan social workers and volunteers for serving their handicapped compatriots.
Wu also lauded the Guatemalan first lady for her contribution to promoting social welfare services for underprivileged groups over past years. "I'm hopeful that our two countries can increase exchanges in this field in the future," she added.