Lautoka Hospital’s Children’s Ward Transformed Through Community Initiative

The Children’s Ward at Lautoka Hospital has undergone a significant transformation, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the FIJI Water Foundation, FIJI Water, Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL), and Aspen Medical. This initiative is part of their Wonderful Neighbour Project, a program aimed at enhancing healthcare in the Western Division.

The Wonderful Neighbour initiative allows employees from FIJI Water and NPDL to propose and execute impactful community projects. Each employee receives FJ$100 and eight hours of paid work time for their contributions, promoting stronger ties between the organizations and the communities they serve.

Gavin Whiteside, the Chief Executive Officer of Aspen Medical in Fiji, expressed gratitude for the local community’s support, noting that the renovations at the Children’s Ward would positively impact many families for years to come.

The upgrades included refreshing the waiting area and restroom facilities, as well as the donation of a new washing machine and dryer. Additionally, a new swing set and four tricycles were provided for the children to enjoy. The team also engaged in various tasks such as water blasting, repainting, tiling, door installation, landscaping, and building a new clothesline. A dedicated team of 120 employees contributed their efforts over a three-day period.

Semi Lotawa, Director of the FIJI Water Foundation, highlighted the broader impact of the Wonderful Neighbour Project, indicating that this year alone, 798 employees participated in 21 different initiatives throughout Fiji, contributing over 4,500 volunteer hours. He emphasized that the recent improvements to the Lautoka Hospital Children’s Ward reflect the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to fostering community pride and driving sustainable change in Fiji.

This uplifting initiative underscores the importance of community involvement and showcases how collaborative efforts can lead to tangible improvements in healthcare facilities, ultimately benefiting families in need.

In summary, the Lautoka Hospital Children’s Ward renovations are not only a testament to corporate social responsibility but also a reminder of the positive outcomes that can arise when companies and their employees unite to serve their local communities.