ABOUT US

Asia Pacific Outreach is the first foundation of its kind in New Zealand in that it is providing financial support to Osteopaths and Physiotherapists to enable volunteer medical aid.

 

My experiences of volunteering overseas with children and young adults struggling with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum & other significant physical & mental disabilities was the impetus to start the APO. Children with disabilities in some countries face a unique struggle. Not only do they lack 1st world medical support for their conditions but the culture & religion they exist in means that such children are an embarrassment for both the family and their village. Fed once a day, washed once a week, but otherwise ignored, their lack of movement & human interaction only hastens their disease progression.

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These children require consistent, regular therapy, similar to what they would receive in any 1st world medical system. However, ensuring this support entails the need for dedicated volunteers who can regularly participate in the trips organised by the handful of foundations facilitating these crucial volunteer endeavors. I see APO as the vehicle to enable allied health professionals to support these children in need, being involved on a regular bases, which otherwise could not occur due to the significant costs a volunteer faces when participating in such trips.

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Among the thousands of Osteopaths and Physiotherapists across New Zealand and Australia, many are eager to make a real change in the quality of life for hundreds of children in the Asia/Pacific region. With the numbers to make a significant impact, we simply need the funds to make volunteer work accessible to these skilled health professionals.

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M Hancock - CEO