There had always been talanoa (conversations) around the grog bowl or taki sessions by a group of good friends about helping out with things back home in Fiji but it never eventuated into something concrete. All that changed on 19 February 2016 when the most powerful storm ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere, Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Winston, tore through Fiji causing utter devastation (over a billion dollars in damage becoming the costliest cyclone in the South Pacific basin) and the single latest casualty count by a cyclone in Fiji’s history.
This galvanised 1Love’s founder to start a simple GoFundMe campaign for $5000 (AUD) which was met with overwhelming response when in just four weeks $14,000 (AUD) was donated. It was an incredible show of spirit and support by people from all backgrounds. The money raised was used to assist in a wide range of post TC Winston projects from hospital equipment to emergency response equipment as well as facilitating in rebuilding of damaged or destroyed homes and other infrastructure.
Founder & Secretary General
Raj has been involved in the not-for-profit sector for over 15 years, working in the United Nations and with other NGOs in the Pacific region, New Zealand & Australia.
President
Vinesh brings a wealth of corporate and business acumen to the organisation. He is a director of a successful national company and a proud family man.
Treasurer
A MBA qualified management consultant, Alvin has worked for large companies like IBM, Accenture, QBE and he brings invaluable fiscal experience to us.
Committee Member
Sami is a larger than life guy with a massive heart and a sharp sense of humour. He is also the director of a signage business that's expanding rapidly nationally.
Committee Member
Avi is a community & family oriented individual who is always willing to help anyone. He is a Senior Consultant in a national Managed Services company.
Passion & Causes
We want to see that every single Fijian child has access to education. It is not expensive to sponsor a child in Fiji because education is subsidised by the government. We aim to assist vulnerable and needy kids to go to school.
In comparison to its Pacific Island neighbours, Fiji's health care system is relatively better developed. However, the health sector including handicapped care, aged care, and mental health services are constrained by a lack funding, equipment, technology, and retention of qualified staff. 1Love Fiji Foundation hopes to fund equipment and/or donate towards addressing these issues.
In comparison to its Pacific Island neighbours, Fiji's health system is relatively better developed. Whilst policy systems are robust, the entire health sector including handicapped care, aged care, and mental health services are plagued by a lack of equipment, technology, retention of qualified staff, and funding. We hope to assist in the alleviation of these situations.
We activate to fundraise for emergency/disaster situations and/or when an urgent appeal needs to be launched to help a cause, individual or family. This may include, but is not limited to, natural or humanitarian disasters, emergency medical needs, loss of life/lives or property, etc.
You had me @ Bula
Email Address