Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has announced the launch of its Annual Christmas Gift and Stationery Drive for children of the Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPR), collaborating once again with Pacific Energy. This uplifting initiative, now in its third iteration, aims to bring joy and alleviate some of the challenges faced by CPR families, who play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and sustainable environment by collecting recyclables, often under difficult circumstances and with scarce resources.
Amitesh Deo, the Founder of PRF, expressed a poignant sentiment, stating, “We should not be this broken as a community that some of our children are left without gifts during Christmas.” This drive underscores the reality that for many children in CPR households, the holiday season may often be overshadowed by economic struggles as their parents work hard in dumpsites and public spaces just to make ends meet.
Launched in 2022, PRF’s Christmas Drive aims to fill this gap, providing children with not only gifts but also essential school supplies to equip them for the new year. Over the past two years, the initiative has successfully reached over 600 children across Fiji, demonstrating the compassion and support from the local community and partner organizations.
Deo emphasized, “This drive is about showing these children that they are seen, valued, and loved,” acknowledging the significant yet often overlooked role of CPR families in Fiji’s recycling efforts. Many of these families come from impoverished backgrounds, prioritizing basic necessities, making it challenging for them to provide toys or school supplies. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for children to receive discarded items as gifts, such as old toys or worn stationery.
Through this initiative, PRF aspires to relieve the financial strain on these parents and ensure that no child has to rely on thrown-away items for joy. The foundation seeks to bring dignity to their labor and affirm that every child deserves a beautiful and special gift during Christmas.
PRF encourages businesses, organizations, and individuals to contribute to this heartwarming cause by donating child-friendly gifts and essential stationery items, ideally free of plastic to align with their sustainability goals. Contributions can be delivered to Malhana Cloud Kitchen Restaurant on Koronivia Road or placed in designated boxes at selected Pacific Energy Service Stations.
From December 16 to 20, PRF volunteers will go to various locations across Fiji to distribute Christmas hampers filled with gifts, festive treats, and personalized messages for the children of CPR.
This initiative not only brightens the lives of these children during the holiday season but also fosters a strong sense of community spirit and responsibility, showing that together, people can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
Overall, the Christmas Drive represents hope and generosity, reminding us all of the power of compassion, especially during the festive season.
Leave a comment