The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is working to provide wheelchairs and other mobility devices to those in need in European countries. Working with humanitarian organisations, the Church has delivered over 1,500 wheelchairs in Europe in 2024, contributing to the over 750,000 wheelchairs donated worldwide since 2001. These wheelchairs enable individuals to gain independence and build a new life for themselves.
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Fatbardha was in her 30s when a medical diagnosis challenged her ability to be independent. With help from the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation she received a properly fitted wheelchair donated by the Church. She says, “The wheelchair has given me part of my freedom back.” © 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.“The wheelchair has allowed me to move more freely, meet friends, and take care of daily tasks” says Fatbardha, recipient of a wheelchair donated to the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF) by the Church. Finding employment was difficult for her because of a physical disability, but after receiving a wheelchair and employment help from ADRF, she regained confidence and a sense of control. “I used to fear the judgment and pity of others,” she reflects, “but the wheelchair has given me part of my freedom back. I’m stronger now, both physically and emotionally.”
The Church’s extensive humanitarian and relief efforts are inspired by Jesus Christ’s teachings to help those in need. In Europe, the Church works with other organisations to provide relief and help individuals to build self-reliance and independence. The project to donate wheelchairs aligns with that mission.
Ilir Gashi of the humanitarian organisation HandiKOS works to coordinate the distribution of donated wheelchairs in Kosovo. “Our wheelchair recipients regain independence, mobility and a renewed sense of hope and happiness, even after experiencing a life-changing accident.”
Gashi continues, “Without the support of our partners, it would have been impossible to offer the wide range of services we provide. Today, I can confidently say that I don’t believe there is anyone in Kosovo who needs a wheelchair and does not have access to one.”
For a wheelchair to help an individual it must fit properly. Gael Yonnet, M.D., a wheelchair user and volunteer missionary, oversees wheelchair donations for the Church in Europe. He says, “A wheelchair is like a shoe. Just like you need a shoe that fits right and is intended for a specific activity, you need a wheelchair that fits properly for the activity you are doing or else it could cause further harm and complications.” Yonnet trains volunteers at humanitarian organisations so that each candidate that comes in can receive a wheelchair that is perfectly tailored to their needs.
The cooperation with humanitarian organisations is beneficial for both parties. Yonnet explains, “As a Church, we just don’t have the resources to have volunteers on the ground in every country at all times. But working with these organisations that are already established in each country and have networks to reach the people, we can work a lot more effectively.”
Nataša Uskoković, International Relations Advisor at Red Cross of Montenegro reflects, “Before working with the Church, getting a wheelchair was a very complicated and long procedure for most of the people who need it. Now, the Red Cross is recognised as an organisation that provides wheelchairs in a matter of a few days, free of charge.”
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Velizar is a retiree from Montenegro who developed Parkinson’s disease which made it difficult to walk around. At the insistence of a local Red Cross of Montenegro volunteer, he agreed to receive a wheelchair and a walker. Today, he says that the wheelchair brought him back to life. Photo courtesy of Local Red Cross branch Nikšić, Montenegro. © 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.The Red Cross of Montenegro first started collaborating with the Church on wheelchair donations in 2012. Since then, the Church has worked with the Red Cross in relief of COVID-19, in flood response, and in other projects to support and strengthen their efforts.
The impact of the donations made by the Church is personal. After the diagnosis of an autoimmune neurological condition as a student, Besmira visited the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF) Wheelchair Workshop in Vore and was fitted for a wheelchair. In addition to receiving a wheelchair, she also received employment support from ADRF and eventually secured a position at the Prime Minister’s offices in Albania. “The beginning is hard,” says Besmira, “But once you adjust, you start seeing the wheelchair as a tool that grants you independence.”
Blerta Drenofci, Executive Director of ADRF, said that support from the Church and other organisations helps to provide “independence to persons with disabilities, enhancing their quality of life by enabling participation in community activities.” She added, “In countries like Albania, cooperation among organisations is important to fill in existing gaps. The donations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have contributed to the fulfilment of the mission of our organisation, which is improvement of the quality of life and the human rights protection of persons with disabilities.”
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Besmira rides in a wheelchair donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and distributed by the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation. She says, “The beginning is hard, but once you adjust, you start seeing the wheelchair as a tool that grants you independence.” © 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.The Church believes that humanitarian work is the work of Jesus Christ. Yonnet says, “The Savior’s charity is contagious and easily spreads. The more humanitarian work we do in His name, the more we encourage and inspire others to be charitable themselves. It’s a chain-reaction of love and generosity.
"President Spencer W. Kimball explained that ‘it is usually through another person that [God] meets our needs.’ As members of the Church, we are blessed to be that someone, to be tools in His hands and participate in His work here on earth.”