Prime Minister Abe’s wife, Akie Abe, Supports WoH in Cambodia

Prime Minister Abe’s wife, Akie, supporting Wheelchairs of Hope!

In 2010 (Heisei Era 22), Wheelchairs of Hope was named and established as a “Provider for Social
Contribution” by the Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution (FESCO). After this, we were
able to build a relationship in which, when contacted by the foundation, they help us transport
wheelchairs when visiting Cambodia for inspection tours.

This last March, we were delighted to receive an email from them including their enthusiasm to transport more wheelchairs for us during their inspection tour to Cambodia. At that time, we found out that
the leader of the tour would be Ms. Akie Abe: Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s wife and the chairman of the foundation.?We even found out that Ms. Abe herself wanted to visit Wheelchairs of Hope to see our volunteer activities before the tour.

On the early, frigid morning of February 10th, Ms. Akie Abe and the members of the foundation came to visit us at our workshop in Ekoda. After a short summary of our activities, she talked to the volunteers individually and inspected our activities.

Ms. Abe and the foundation departed from Haneda Airport on the night of March 9th with our wheelchairs in tow. Upon arrival, they handed the wheelchairs to Rev. Ravy Manickam from CMC (Cambodian Ministries for Christ), who was waiting for them at Siem Reap International Airport on the morning of March 10th.

“Wheelchairs of Hope” has sent many wheelchairs to Cambodia through CMC, and we have received countless appreciation letters from the many recipients there.

Ms. Abe not only graciously took time out of her busy schedule to see our volunteer activities, but also carried the wheelchairs herself. We, as the members of the Wheelchairs of Hope initiative, are forever humbled, and are now even more passionate about bringing wheelchairs and mobility to those in need.