Genesis Foundation Takes Vegetative-State Patients to New Taipei Temple for Blessings, Rallies Support for Charity Fair

(CNA reporter Huang Hsu-sheng, New Taipei, 20th) The Banqiao branch of the Genesis Social Welfare Foundation today led its patients in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) on a trip via accessible vans to the Wugu Xiantian Temple in Tucheng District to pray for blessings and to build momentum for a charity fair scheduled for the 30th. Multiple charity organizations accompanied the patients, hoping to draw public attention to the care needs of families with PVS patients. The Genesis Social Welfare Foundation's Banqiao branch issued a press release stating that today, in collaboration with KMT New Taipei City Councilors Lin Chin-chieh and Huang Yung-chang, the New Taipei City Dental Association, the Tucheng District Farmers' Association of New Taipei City, the Tucheng Junior High School Education Foundation, and the New Taipei City Sun Charity Association, they accompanied the patients to pray at the Tucheng Wugu Xiantian Temple, which mainly worships Emperor Shennong. The Genesis Foundation told a CNA reporter that this was a rare opportunity for the patients to go out and feel the care of society. Seated in high-end, high-back wheelchairs and accompanied by volunteers and supporters, they took accessible vans into the temple courtyard and then inside to worship, praying for peace and health, and also to rally support for the successful holding of the charity fair. Lee Pei-ching, the director of the Banqiao branch, stated that they currently care for 52 underprivileged PVS patients, and the monthly care cost per person is high. In recent years, fundraising has become difficult due to the economic downturn and inflation, but the care work cannot be interrupted. The 'Blessing and Protection Charity Fair' will be held on the 30th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the plaza in front of the Tucheng Wugu Xiantian Temple. City Councilor Lin Chin-chieh said that families of PVS patients bear a heavy long-term care burden, and he hopes that through the blessing event and the charity fair, more people will become concerned about the needs of PVS patients and their families. Dr. Kao Chun-hua, president of the New Taipei City Dental Association, stated that charity is not just about donations, but more importantly about companionship and participation. She hopes that through this event, more people will join the ranks of charity, continuing the warmth of society. (Editor: Lee Hsi-chang)