The Compassion Project Rarotonga (CPR) received their first ever donation over the weekend to help in their journey to tackle the core issues in Rarotonga regarding ‘all things health and wellbeing’.

The CPR committee was invited to attend the final session of the TMS Fitness on Saturday where they received a gift.

The committee was contacted through their Facebook page by Phareily Tapita Vina of TMS Fitness. CPR president Sarah Cragg said she was surprised to read the message.

Upon accepting the invitation, the CPR committee attended the final training session for the TMS Fitness Challenge and gratefully accepted a donation of $705.50 which was collected through members’ gold coin donations.

“TMS fitness had wanted to give to an organisation that aligns with their visions and goals and that is something CPR prides themselves on,” founder of CPR Sammy Mataroa explained. “CPR has thanked the TMS fitness community and cannot wait to put this money towards the build of The Hub which is the main goal for the organisation.”

“This is a tremendous blessing for CPR and the people that CPR caters to, as well as those who will seek support through CPR in time to come. Receiving this donation has given our team the hope and excitement to push further toward the vision that we have for the future of CPR.”

Sammy Mataroa, founder of CPR receiving the donation from TMS with Maiti Simpson – 21101108

The main priority for the organisation is to develop the plans and the vision for The Hub, which they hope to be a place of peace and sanctuary for anyone struggling and “needs somewhere to go”.

Alongside this, on the back burner, are a number of events and fundraisers on their agenda with all proceeds from these events going towards the building of The Hub. Mataroa says they believe there is definitely a great need in society within the mental health sector.

“I hurt when I see Grace walking. I’m sad when I see Papa Mitai pulling nu or when I drive past the house in Titikaveka with the young man suffering from an illness and living alone.

“I’m sad when our people describe an illness such as schizophrenia and have no knowledge or understanding of how to deal with a family member who is suffering. The Hub will be a place to engage and deal with such activity in our communities,” he said.

The team at CPR from left to right, Gillian Evans, Sarah Cragg, Sammy Mataroa and Inangaro Blenkarn, with Maiti Simpson from TMS Fitness in the middle. 21101115