More than 700 children from families associated with Fiji’s Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPR) celebrated Christmas this year with gifts and school supplies, thanks to the annual Christmas gift and stationery drive organized by the Pacific Recycling Foundation. This initiative, which has been running for four years, aims to support informal recycling communities throughout the nation.
The program reached children in various areas including Vunato, Lautoka, Maururu in Ba, Sigatoka, Rakiraki, and Labasa, ensuring that festive support was distributed across multiple regions. Amitesh Deo, founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation, emphasized that the drive goes beyond simply providing presents; it aims to acknowledge the critical role of informal recyclers and their families during the holiday season.
“This Christmas gift and stationery drive is about dignity, recognition, and inclusion,” Deo stated. He pointed out that while CPR members play a vital role in Fiji’s waste management system, many face significant daily challenges that often go unnoticed. The initiative aims to ensure that their children are remembered during the season of giving.
The drive has become a crucial support mechanism for CPR families, who work tirelessly to collect recyclables from dumpsites and public spaces under challenging and often hazardous conditions. Deo highlighted the importance of their work in environmental protection and economic sustainability.
“By diverting recyclables away from dumpsites and public spaces, CPR members are extending the lifespan of our dumpsites, reducing emissions linked to waste disposal, and transforming discarded materials into livelihoods,” he explained. He affirmed that these individuals are not only environmental stewards but also economic contributors and community builders, deserving pride in their vital roles.
This heartwarming initiative received support from various corporate partners, councils, organizations, and individuals, showcasing the shared responsibility towards inclusion and social protection. The outreach of the program serves as a reminder of the power of community and collective action in uplifting families and fostering a sense of belonging during the festive season.
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