An Auckland based charitable organisation is seeking sponsorship and funds to implement a number of projects and programmes that would help the poor and the needy in Fiji and other Pacific Island countries of the region.
The Friends of the Pacific Foundation is also seeking partnerships with organisations and individuals sharing its aims and objectives.
The Foundation’s Chief Executive and Trustee Deepak Tahal said that the immediate project was to collect a number of donated items such as wheel chairs, walkers, bathers and other mobility equipment.
Collection Points
“Such items should be delivered at the collections points at Mega Mitre 10 located at Henderson (186 Lincoln Road) and Botany (Te Irirangi Drive, near Bishop Dunn Place) and Mitre 10 West Gate (Corner Westgate & Fernhill Drive). Used or damaged equipment that could be refurbished or used as spare parts are also welcome,” he said.
Vinod Kumar, Acting Chairman of the Trust said that coordination of delivery of a range of medical services and medical expertise that are not available in Fiji is among the main objectives of the charitable organisation.
“We aim to provide assistance to the poor and needy in Fiji and other countries of the region through collection and delivery of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and consumables to hospitals and medical clinics,” he said.
Noble aims
Such deliveries are proposed to be achieved through groups or individual volunteers and through a network of suppliers of new and reconditioned items, he added.
“The Foundation also aims to upgrade or improve medical facilities and assist wherever possible staff to up-skill,” Mr Kumar said.
Nick Naidu, another Trustee, said that the efforts of the Foundation have resulted in teams of cardiac surgeons, obstetrics, gynaecology specialists and general practitioners delivering services in Fiji.
“We arranged and facilitated delivery of 12 containers of medical equipment to hospitals and medical clinics in the Western Division of Fiji in September. We have also helped in the upgrading of two operation theatres at Lautoka Hospital,” he said.
Further details can be obtained from Vinod Kumar on 021-795721, Deepak Tahal on 021-890282 or Nick Naidu on 021-2559955.
Website: www.friendsofthepacific.com
