Westpac concluded their last morning walk for this year at Ro Qomate House in Labasa yesterday.

The 30-minute walk was organised by Westpac in partnership with Ministry of Health and the Fiji Physiotherapy Association and close to 100 people took part in the event.

Westpac Labasa branch manager Matai Daveta said the walk was the bank’s health and wellbeing initiative to ‘brisk it or risk it’, through four morning walks this year.

“This is a fun and healthy way to get families out and moving to start their weekend and at the same time learn about health and wellness from professional experts,” Mr Daveta said.

“This last walk was dedicated to World Aids Day with an aim to raise awareness of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) pandemic caused by the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.

“Advances have been made in HIV treatment and laws to protect people living with HIV however, despite this, people still don’t know how to protect themselves and others from contracting HIV.”

Mr Daveta also thanked the many people who took part.

“I would like to thank all the participants, young and old who have supported the walks throughout the year in great numbers,” he said.

Neomai Didrove, an employee at the Labasa Hospital, walked with her three children, Lavenia Macanawai, Sala Macanawai and Pauliasi Macanawai.

“I thought to make good use of the school holiday and my weekend off by spending some valuable time with my children. Our participation has created more family bonding and meet new friends,” Mrs Didrove said.

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