Loving Islands Launches Relief Fund For 141 Families In Lau

One hundred and forty-one families of the seven villages of Matuku Island in Lau will be assisted with relief packages from a local entrepreneur ‘Loving Islands’

The seven villages that will be assisted are Yaroi, Natokalau, Qalikarua, Levukaidaku, Makadru, Raviravi and Lomati.

Loving Islands is a local social enterprise that specialises in organic agriculture development in the rural area.

Founding director Litia Kirwin had set up an emergency relief drive to support her extended families in Matuku Island that were affected by Tropical Cyclone Harold.

With maternal links to Matuku Island, Ms Kirwin said it was heartbreaking to see the devastating impact of TC Harold on the island where she had also grew up.

“This is very much a collective extended family fundraiser, as many of us remain closely connected to the island through our family relatives that live there so we’re all doing what we can to support those that are on the ground,” she said.

Emergency relief

Her initial target for the emergency relief drive was $2,500

“The response from donors has been incredible and unexpected given the challenging times we’re living in.

“Initially we had hoped to raise at least $2,500 to support the 26 families in Levukaidaku village only.

“However as we rose over $11,000 in the first 24 hours we reorganised our goal to provide emergency relief support and assistance to the estimated 141 families across all seven villages.

Positive feedback

“The response from local manufacturers has also been very positive and incredibly appreciated.

“Especially given they have been responding over the Easter long weekend to help us organise within the short timeframe as needed.

“Our new target is $17,000 as we hope to achieve this by April 13 since the next boat to Matuku island is scheduled to depart Suva on April 14,” she said.

She said so far the relief drive has received just over $13,000 in cash donations with product donations from local businesses estimated at $10,000 covering food supplies, essential household items, and cookware provisions for each family.

Ms Kirwin has been communicating closely with the village committees and representatives in Suva and Matuku to collect up-to-date family household information of those on the island.

Maximise impact

She said this has helped maximise the impact of the relief supplies by ensuring the allocations meet the needs of each household family size and are being allocated to those most in need.

“Since the current coronavirus (COVID19) restrictions on inter-island travel we will only be able to ship the cargo from Suva.

“As a result the family relief assistance is pre-packaged and labelled according to households here in Suva with the items collectively shipped according to villages.

“A list of recipients will also be sent with the goods to help facilitate distribution once the goods arrive in Matuku Island.

Essential goods

“Currently we are providing one month of essential food and household goods, as well as a 200 litres of fuel drums for each village to assist with immediate transportation and energy needs.

“We also include women’s care and sanitary packages for all villages, which we are looking to distribute through the soqosoqo vaka marama (women’s group) in each village,” she said.

She extends her appreciation to those who have donated to the relief.

For those who may wish to make donations, details for can be found on the Loving Islands Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lovingislandsAU

Feedback: laiseana.nasiga@fijisun.com.fj