In a bid to provide children with disabilities the care they need, the Frank Hilton Organisation is looking at fundraising $150,000 next month to meet its expenses.

The non-government organisation provides early detection and intervention services to more than 600 children with disabilities and their families from across Fiji.

The organisation launched its annual fundraiser, the Amazing Wheelbarrow Race, but recently rebranded the event as the Great Bara Battle, last week.

“The race is not only a fundraiser for a worthy cause, but also an opportunity for team building and corporate philanthropy,” said Sureni Perera, the organisation’s chief executive officer.”

“It offers a good opportunity for companies to also promote wellness and optimise fitness among their staff members.

“We hope that many teams and individuals will contribute towards the event this year.”

The competition is expected to take place both physically and virtually. The race would be around the island of Viti Levu.

The virtual race is built like a gaming app and this would allowed teams to race around the island. The physical race will start at Albert Park in Suva on November 19.

Confirmed participants so far are Vodafone Fiji, Telecom Fiji Limited, Standss South Pacific,  and Harcourts Fiji to name a few.

Registration fee is $5000.

The funds will also support five departments within the organisation which are Audiology, Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, Positive Behavior Support and Community Support.

It will also contribute towards

the procurement of assistive devices such as paediatric wheelchairs and hearing aids.

Among the many expenses, the operation of the Hilton Home is part of it too. It is the only care facility that provides care to children with severe disabilities and medical conditions.

FHO receives funding from the Government of Fiji and development partners, however, it is left to raise over 20 per cent of its total annual operating expenditure to ensure continuity of services.

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