‎Staff Writer
‎HARARE – Harare-based medical solutions company, Eagly Medical Supplies has donated 22 wheelchairs and eight sets of crutches to children with mobility challenges as part of a partnership with the 40K campaign and Hearts of Relief in Marondera.
‎The donation, which is valued at thousands of dollars, is aimed at improving the mobility and quality of life of vulnerable children, including those with conditions such as cerebral palsy.
‎In an interview, Tungamirirai Muvhawa who coordinated the exercise, said the company was committed to supporting vulnerable communities as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
‎“Eagly Medical Supplies is a medical solutions company. We provide equipment for mobility and other medical conditions that require engineered instruments to help people survive and live better lives,” Muvhawa said.
‎He said the company supplied the bulk of the equipment donated through the 40K campaign to Hearts of Relief, while also making an additional contribution of its own.
‎“As part of our corporate social responsibility, we also had to put our own donation over and above what they had purchased from us,” he said.
‎Muvhawa said the company viewed its participation as more than a business transaction, stressing the importance of working with donors and charitable organisations to support communities in need.
‎“Our participation is a corporate choice to give back to vulnerable communities and to participate in the overall stakeholder sector, the donors and charity organisations that are also in existence,” he said.
‎“We are not there only to sell, but we are also there to provide a service, to assist and to help vulnerable communities.”
‎The donation included different types of wheelchairs designed for varying mobility needs. Some were standard wheelchairs, while others were specifically designed to support children living with cerebral palsy.
‎Muvhawa said the company was particularly encouraged by the focus on children.
‎“We were very pleased to assist because this was going towards children and children’s mobility.
‎An example is children living with cerebral palsy. That is a condition that requires the entire community to show love and assist so that the children can survive better,” he said.
‎He said Igla Lines was inspired by the 40K campaign’s objectives and saw the initiative as an opportunity to support the diaspora community’s efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable Zimbabweans.
‎“We were moved by 40K’s agenda, and we thought it was a good opportunity for us to also extend a hand and assist the diaspora community on their initiative,” Muvhawa said.
‎The equipment donated comprised 22 wheelchairs of different makes and specifications, as well as eight sets of crutches and other walking aids for children.
‎Although Muvhawa could not provide an exact monetary figure for the donation, he described it as a substantial contribution worth thousands of dollars.
‎“It was quite a donation. It’s a huge donation, and it’s well in the thousands.
‎I think it’s one of those donations that really come at the right time. That was a big donation, and I think it’s going to change so many lives in the Marondera community,” he said.
‎Muvhawa said Eagly Medical Supplies had a history of supporting individuals and organisations facing mobility challenges across the country.
‎He said the company had assisted individuals directly, worked with charitable groups and churches, and sometimes offered substantial discounts to people who could not afford medical equipment.
‎“Sometimes we give discounts, big discounts, to assist people to purchase equipment that they cannot buy for themselves. Sometimes we give complete gifts — everything that is required,” he said.
‎The company hopes that continued partnerships with charitable organisations will expand access to mobility equipment and contribute to better living conditions for children and other vulnerable people living with disabilities.
