St Hilda's Collegiate pupils Abbey James (left) and Laura
MacKay with some of the resources they hope to take to a
Fijian orphanage in suitcases. Photo supplied.
A dozen pupils from St Hilda's Collegiate in Dunedin hope
to make the lives of about 20 children at a Fijian orphanage in
Nadi a little more comfortable by taking them 300kg of
supplies.
The initiative has been co-ordinated by 18-year-olds Abbey
James and Laura MacKay.
"We heard about the great work that the orphanage does there.
But they don't have a lot of resources, and they don't get
much funding, so we wanted to help," Laura said.
The orphanage struggles to provide enough food, let alone
basics like nappies, baby milk formula, soap, toothbrushes
and toothpaste, toilet paper, spoons or even clothes.
Abbey said the group of St Hilda's pupils had been raising
funds since the beginning of the year to buy essential
products for the children. Many goods had also been donated.
The items would be taken to Fiji in suitcases, and only a
small amount of space in carry-on luggage would be used to
carry the girls' personal bare necessities, such as a change
of clothes and a toothbrush.
They would stay in backpacker accommodation, rather than at a
resort, she said.
"Most people only see the resorts and not the poverty which
exists on the other side.
"For us, the other side is going to be a pretty big shock. It
will definitely be an eye-opener."
The team will be in Fiji from August 11 to 18.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.