In Fiji, community resilience and dedication of individuals are central to overcoming challenges and enhancing the well-being of society. A sterling example of such dedication is Liku Tabucakau’s transformative eight-year journey with the Fiji Red Cross Society (FRCS), highlighting what it truly means to serve with purpose.
Starting as a youth volunteer, Liku’s desire to contribute to societal well-being propelled her to the role of vice president at the Nalawa Branch in Ra Province, Fiji’s Western Division. Her leadership has been pivotal in revitalizing branch operations, fostering youth leadership, and promoting a culture of volunteerism. This dedication earned her the prestigious Fiji Red Cross Volunteer of the Year Award in 2024.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Liku initiated efforts to support single mothers and people with disabilities. Her branch successfully secured funding to distribute seedlings and provide training for home gardens, contributing to food security and restoring dignity and independence to vulnerable families.
Liku’s commitment extended further when Fiji faced outbreaks of leptospirosis, typhoid, dengue, and diarrhoea in Kadavu and Levuka. She was part of a 83-volunteer team that reached out to over 13,000 individuals, delivering life-saving information across 107 communities.
Her story is part of a broader movement by the Fiji Red Cross Society as they aim to lead individuals to healthier, safer, and dignified lives in alignment with their Strategic Plan 2022–2026. In 2024 alone, the FRCS achieved remarkable results, such as reaching 3,000 people through resilience programming and engaging 66,000 people with Community-Based Surveillance.
These achievements are made possible by the unwavering support from partners like the Australian Red Cross and DFAT Australia, whose collaboration enhances reach and impact of the Fiji Red Cross Society.
The efforts are not limited to crisis response but also include long-term initiatives like non-communicable disease prevention, health screenings, and psychosocial support. Through these extensive activities, each affected household represents a family equipped with tools to foster their health.
The Fiji Red Cross Society invites participation in the upcoming Fiji Red Cross Ball 2025, which not only celebrates these achievements but also offers an opportunity to contribute to ongoing and future health programs aimed at strengthening community resilience against health outbreaks.
The extensive reach and impact of the Fiji Red Cross Society demonstrate how dedicated volunteers like Liku Tabucakau can significantly impact communities, embodying hope, resilience, and a spirit of collective action for a better future.
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