More than three months ago, some senior citi­zens collected a few dollars from their welfare assistance to help others on the streets.

This act of kindness continues today by members of the Vunivaivai Senior Citizens of Lautoka.

Yesterday they took to the streets to distribute 20 chicken curry food packs to street dwellers.

Group spokesperson Eparama Roko said the initiative started on October 27, 2021, and was done fortnightly.

The 30 members each contributed a minimum of $5 from their Social Welfare assistance to buy food packs from the Downtown Superfast Takeaways Restaurant at Yasawa Street.

Adding to their good deed, the restaurant owner was kind enough to give them a discount on the food packs they bought.

“Before it was 25 serves and it came to $100 for the whole lot, but now the price has gone down because the owner reduced the cost of the serves. So, we now pay $80 at $4 a serve compared to $5 per serve in the past,” he said.

“We give chicken curry or sometimes chicken chop suey to the poor people. Today we are just giving 20 serves as the number of people on the streets have gone down.”

He said some street dwellers refused to return to their homes, preferring to beg for money daily in the city.

“They are really happy when they receive their food and sometimes cry,” he said.

Downtown Superfast Takeaways Restaurant owner Kamal Prasad said his restaurant has been operating for nine years.

“It’s a good idea, I lowered the price and gave some ex­tra like extra food. Even the whole day some custom­ers come, the needy ones and they can’t afford so I help them. So, during this COVID-19 time, it’s better to help each other,” he said.

Members of the public willing to help the Vunivaivai Senior Citizens of Lautoka group may forward their donations to the Cane Farmers Co-operative Savings and Loans Association Limited Account Number 1100-006641-31 under the Vunivaivai Senior Citizens of Lau­toka or contact Eparama Roko at 2935689.

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