Management staff of Vomo Island Fiji, Captain Cook Cruises, Ahura Resorts and South Sea Cruises, joined hands to help close to 2000 tourism workers who were affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The assistance drive, known as the Fiji Hospitality Fundraiser, started with the management at Vomo Island Fiji four months ago where the resort’s general manager, Justin King, and director of sales, Karen Marvell, invited colleagues from other tourism companies in the Mamanuca Group to join their plight in raising funds for the affected workers.

Vomo Island’s barge departed Lautoka to distribute 20 tonnes of staple food to 750 families in the Mamanuca group, and the Vuda region.

The motive behind the fundraiser was to assist workers who were struggling to send their children to school, and feed their families when the borders closed.

The fundraiser was also specially supported by resort guests.

In just four months, a total of $90,000 in was raised as donation.

General manager Vomo Island resort, Justin King.

“The longer the borders are closed, the more this is becoming a genuine crisis.

We felt compelled to help families who could not afford to eat,” said Mr King.

“Some tourism companies, like Vomo, have committed to keeping their teams employed .

They are receiving some income during the closure period.

Others have not been able to do so.

“The result, plain and simple, is hunger.”

Mr King said the four resorts helped ease the families’ burden a little through their distribution of supermarket vouchers including the groceries.

“What is heart-warming is the generosity of past guests who have been so amazing with their donations giving back to the beautiful people of Fiji who have looked after them on their holidays,” he said.

Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj