Tears of joy were shared by some residents of Rara Housing Assistance and Relief Trust (HART) settlement in Lajonia, Labasa, last Saturday when they received grocery packs from Rotary Club and Westpac Fiji.

Most of the residents were solo parents with children who survived on allowances given by the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection.

Fane Mate, an elderly resident, reported that early in the morning, as they were tidying their compound, a Westpac Fiji van pulled up outside their house with grocery bags.

“We cried with joy because we have been praying for food, as with the increasing cost of living, we couldn’t afford to buy everything that we needed,” Ms Mate, 40, said.

“I have two children, one in Year 12 and one in Year Seven, and a one-year-old daughter. Sometimes it’s hard to fulfil their needs.”

Rotary Club of Labasa treasurer Rajneel Maharaj said they donated groceries to 50 families.

“An assessment was carried out by our members where families living in poverty and without any source of income were selected,” Mr Maharaj said.

“We decided to give now because many children are preparing for their external exams and Diwali.”

He thanked Westpac Fiji for partnering with them in this worthy cause.

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