The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has inaugurated its Annual Christmas Gift and Stationery Drive, aimed at supporting the children of the Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPR) in collaboration with Pacific Energy. This heartwarming initiative, now in its third consecutive year, seeks to bring joy to CPR families who strive to maintain a clean and sustainable environment by collecting recyclables, often under challenging conditions.
Amitesh Deo, founder of PRF, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “We should not be this broken as a community that some of our children are left without gifts during Christmas.” For many children in CPR families, the festive season can be devoid of celebration as their parents work hard in dumpsites and public areas to make a living.
Initiated in 2022, PRF’s Christmas Drive aims to bridge this gap by providing gifts and essential school supplies, helping children start the new year with renewed confidence. Over the past two years, the drive has positively impacted more than 600 children across Fiji, thanks to generous contributions from the community and partner organizations.
“This drive is about showing these children that they are seen, valued, and loved,” Deo noted. He highlighted the crucial role of their parents, who are often overlooked despite their essential contributions to Fiji’s recycling efforts.
Many families come from impoverished backgrounds, prioritizing basic necessities like food over non-essentials such as toys or educational resources. Unfortunately, this leads to children receiving discarded items from dumpsites as gifts. PRF’s initiative aims to change this narrative by ensuring that children receive new, special gifts, restoring dignity to the families’ efforts.
PRF warmly invites businesses, organizations, and individuals to get involved in this festive spirit by donating child-friendly gifts and essential stationery items. The items should be aligned with PRF’s sustainability goals, avoiding violent themes and preferring plastic-free products.
Gifts can be dropped off at the Malhana Cloud Kitchen Restaurant on Koronivia Road or placed in specially marked boxes at select Pacific Energy Service Stations. Between December 16-20, PRF teams will deliver Christmas hampers containing gifts, festive treats, and personal messages to the children of CPR, ensuring that this holiday season is filled with hope and joy.
This initiative not only supports families in need but also reinforces the sense of community and kindness that is essential during the holiday season. By contributing, we can all take part in making a significant difference in the lives of these children, reminding them that they are valued and cherished.
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