The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has officially kicked off its Annual Christmas Gift and Stationery Drive, aimed at supporting the children of Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPR) in collaboration with Pacific Energy. Now in its third year, this initiative strives to spread joy and alleviate the hardships faced by CPR families, who play a crucial role in maintaining environmental sustainability through their recycling efforts, often under tough conditions and with limited resources.
Founder Amitesh Deo expressed concern over the community’s current state, stating, “We should not be this broken as a community that some of our children are left without gifts during Christmas.” Many children from CPR families experience a holiday marked more by scarcity than celebration, as their parents dedicate themselves to collecting recyclables in dumpsites and public spaces to support their families.
Launched in 2022, PRF’s Christmas Drive was designed to bridge this gap by providing thoughtful gifts and essential school supplies, allowing these children to start the new year with renewed hope and confidence. Over the past two years, the initiative has positively impacted the lives of more than 600 children across Fiji, thanks largely to the generosity of the community and partner organizations.
Deo emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of CPR parents, who he considers the unsung heroes in Fiji’s recycling sector, working tirelessly in challenging environments. With many coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, these families often struggle to provide for basic needs, leaving little room in their budgets for gifts or educational supplies. Unfortunately, this often results in children receiving discarded items as gifts.
PRF aims to change this narrative by lifting the burden from these families, ensuring they do not have to rely on found items to bring joy to their children. The initiative seeks to affirm that every child deserves a special, new gift during Christmas, thereby restoring dignity to the parents’ hard work.
The foundation invites businesses, organizations, and community members to partake in the spirit of giving by contributing child-friendly gifts and essential stationery items. To meet sustainability goals, the gifts are encouraged to be plastic-free and non-violent in nature. Contributions can be dropped off at Malhana Cloud Kitchen Restaurant on Koronivia Road or deposited in special boxes at selected Pacific Energy Service Stations.
From December 16-20, PRF volunteers will distribute Christmas hampers throughout Fiji, each containing a gift, festive treats, and personalized messages for the children of CPR.
This initiative not only highlights the spirit of kindness and community during the holiday season but also underscores the importance of supporting those who work hard for environmental sustainability. It provides a hopeful reminder that even in challenging circumstances, there are opportunities to uplift one another and make a difference in the lives of children. Encouraging participation in this drive can create a ripple effect of generosity, bringing joy to many families in need this Christmas.
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