Over 60,000 Fijians to benefit from a joint initiative by the Sai Prema Foundation and NZ High Commission

The Sai Prema Foundation in collaboration with the New Zealand High Commission has announced a $1.1 million COVID-19 relief initiative which will benefit more than 60,000 Fijians.

This includes the provision of grocery packs, breakfast packs for children, dental and oral health kits, sanitary kits to assist the underprivileged and needy women, seed packs which will be in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture and the installation of sanitary hand washing stations in rural communities.

Sai Prema Foundation Director Sumeet Tappoo says we are in the midst of an unprecedented crisis and it is the role of all stakeholders of the nation to do all that they can to serve the underprivileged.

Tappoo says over the course of this crisis, the Foundation has served thousands of families but they have a desire to do more, serve, and make a difference to the lives of our fellow Fijians who are enduring tough times.

He adds it is only fitting for the Foundation to announce the significant initiative on its 5th anniversary.

New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Jonathan Curr says the partnership builds on the Foundation's existing programs and will support food security and hygiene needs across Fiji.

Curr says the initiative will meet immediate food and hygiene needs and also provide livelihood resources to assist with long term support.

He adds the $1.1 million support is part of the $7.2 million given by New Zealand to six Civil Society Organizations in Fiji.

The support will be provided over a 12-month period.