Reaching Out Around the World
Description
On National Volunteer Day, thousands recognize the tenth anniversary of the Helping Hands Program in Brazil.
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The Mormon
Helping Hands program, commemorating its first
decade in Brazil, has served the needs of thousands
while providing many more thousands the opportunity to
serve. On 12 October, National Volunteer Day in Brazil, tens
of thousands of Mormon Helping Hands volunteers completed
service projects throughout the South American country.
“When I think of
how many of these people have left home on this holiday just
to be of service to others,” said Senator Alvaro Dias, “I am
certain that this group has something special.” A similar
continent-wide project took place in Africa earlier this year.
In El
Salvador, hundreds
gathered at 17 donor stations as part of a national day
to replenish the country’s blood supply. More than 900 units
were collected.
“The need to supply blood banks is compelling,
as there is a deficit of more than 30,000 units of blood
each year,” said Ana Vilma Aguilar, national coordinator.
“Aid from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is
invaluable and it enables us to significantly reduce the gap
in our inventory.”
In Samoa
volunteers
helped restore both a grandmother’s home and her
hope at a time of significant human loss following the
recent deadly tsunami in the South Pacific.
By Uniting
against Hunger, Mormons in Guatemala have
responded to drought conditions that have destroyed crops.
"I brought two
pounds of rice for my little friends who are without food,"
said an eight-year-old girl who worked side by side with her
father for two hours preparing rations.
The Church joined
hands with numerous charitable and municipal organizations
in collecting more than 300 tons of food.
Following September’s tropical storm, members in
the Philippines continue an
ongoing effort to provide food, water, clothes and
other relief supplies.
In the Dominican Republic, members say they were following the admonition of their Savior when they donated 500 much-needed wheelchairs.
And on a smaller scale, women in England donated a portable machine that helps hospice patients breathe easier by clearing airways.
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