In a generous show of support for the Rarotonga Hospital and its patients, local companies Landholdings Ltd and Ocean Fresh Ltd have donated 100 pairs of crutches to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of the hospital’s patients.

The donation is expected to have a significant impact on the hospital’s ability to provide more care to those requiring mobility assistance.

Shane Marcus, Te Marae Ora physiotherapist at Rarotonga Hospital, said: “We are very thankful to Landholdings and Ocean Fresh for their generous donation.”

“This will give us a fresh start; it will help those with injuries and disabilities and help others with their mobility.”

Marcus said the crutches would be distributed to patients in need and stressed that those who take crutches home should return them when no longer needed so others can use them.

Last year crutches donated by Landholdings Ltd and Ocean Fresh and given out to the community have unfortunately not been returned.

“Yet people complain when a special fee is charged to use the crutches which will be refunded when the crutches are returned,” added Marcus.

Tangi Boaza, administration manager for Landholdings and Ocean Fresh, said the companies are happy to support the well-being of the local community. For many years Land Holdings Ltd and Ocean Fresh Ltd have contributed to the Rarotonga Hospital by donating much-needed resources, medical equipment and bedding as well as assisting in other projects.