The initiative to collect toys for the children of inmates is once again in play for the Christmas season this year.

Reverend Apo Rageci, a long serving committed mentor to inmates in Suva, says the annual “Angel Tree Project” will be on again this year. The initiative collects gifts specifically for the children of prison inmates.

Reverend Rageci said the project was tailor-made with the name, age and gender of the child provided.

Among the many women who are stationed at various posts in Suva, is 72-year-old Viniana Abatea.

She is stationed with her little Christmas tree at the BSP building, opposite the Village Six Cinemas in Suva.

Ms Abatea said the names of the inmates’ children are written on colourful printed Christmas tree cards and members of the public have the freedom to choose the child whom they would like to give a gift to.

Her warm presence and smile describes her determination to sit next to her friend, Ani Sigarara, while waiting close to six hours a day each week to put a smile on the children’s face.

She said the project started three weeks ago and the gifts would be distributed before the end of this month.

The children are below the age of 14 years.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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