GO&D International Projects: Pakistan

History: On October 8^th, 2005, a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the India-Pakistan border. As a result of the quake, considered to be the worst natural disaster to hit the region in decades, 86,000 people were killed, 80,000 were injured, and over 2 million were left homeless.

Much of the damage occurred in remote villages already lacking in the resources necessary to adequately provide for their impoverished communities. The earthquake exacerbated this situation and left hundred of thousands of men, women, and children vulnerable physically and emotionally.

Program: Global Operations and Development/Giving Children Hope (GO&D) is working with Shelter Now International, Wheels for the World, Compassion Radio, and Joni and Friends to provide essential orthopedic supplies to the residents of Balakot, Pakistan. Balakot was virtually destroyed by the earthquake and injured children and adults are still awaiting critical medical care and medical resources such as wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches.

Wheels for the World has donated over 300 wheelchairs to GO&D, all of which have been refurbished by men and women participating in Joni and Friend's prison ministry. GO&D is shipping these vital supplies to our on-the-ground partner Shelter Now International. A church based in Peshawar, Pakistan will distribute the supplies to Balakot villagers, with representatives from each of GO&D's partner agencies on hand to assist with the distribution process. Joni and Friends will use their wheelchair fitting expertise to ensure that all beneficiaries receive orthopedic supplies that are comfortable and usable.

Through this program, GO&D endeavors to put disabled men, women, and children into custom-fitted wheelchairs, giving them the life-changing gift of mobility.