Bangkok, Thailand - Three years ago, DENSO Corporation decided to celebrate its 50th anniversary in a unique way. Instead of focusing just on past accomplishments and future goals, DENSO extended a helping hand to the community by establishing the Wheelchairs and Friendship Center of Asia (WAFCA).

At the same time, DENSO launched the Wheelchairs and Friendship Center of Asia (Thailand) or WAFCAT, to coordinate activities locally in Thailand. Working through and with both of these organizations, DENSO provides extensive support to a wheelchair factory operated by the Thai with Disability Foundation.The goal is simple:To help create a barrier-free society for the physically challenged.

This past January, some of the volunteers who support WAFCA - 80 percent of whom are DENSO employees - visited Thailand to see the results of their activities. As well as learning more about WAFCA activities in Thailand, group members actually participated in them.

The tour visited Samsennok School, a model barrier-free school set up with WAFCA support; toured the wheelchair factory supported by WAFCAT, then headed to a local home for children with disabilities.There, they made repairs to previously donated wheelchairs and celebrated at a party with the home's children.

DENSO's support for the physically challenged in Southeast Asia also includes sponsoring sporting activities and educational outreach for young people.