The Children’s Ward at Lautoka Hospital has received a significant upgrade thanks to the collaborative efforts of the FIJI Water Foundation, FIJI Water, Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NPDL), and Aspen Medical. This revitalization is part of the Wonderful Neighbour Project, an initiative that encourages employees from both FIJI Water and NPDL to engage in community enhancement efforts.
Through this initiative, teams from the FIJI Water Fleet and NPDL Naikabula designed a plan to bolster healthcare services in the Western Division. Each employee involved in the project was provided with FJ$100 and given eight hours of paid work time to execute their ideas, fostering stronger connections between the organizations and their local communities.
Gavin Whiteside, Chief Executive of Aspen Medical in Fiji, expressed his gratitude for the community’s support, stating, “We are very happy to have the support of the community we work in. The work done at the Children’s Ward by the FIJI Water Foundation will benefit many families for years to come.”
The project included refreshing the waiting area and upgrading restroom facilities in the Children’s Ward. Additionally, new outdoor equipment was donated, including a washing machine, a dryer, a swing set, and four trikes for the enjoyment of young patients. Other improvements featured water blasting, wall and ceiling painting, tiling, door and louver installation, landscaping, and the construction of a new clothesline.
Over three days, a remarkable total of 120 employees participated in these efforts. Semi Lotawa, Director of the FIJI Water Foundation, highlighted that this year alone, 798 employees took part in 21 Wonderful Neighbour projects across Fiji, contributing over 4,500 volunteer hours. He emphasized the foundation’s dedication to fostering positive change and sustainable growth in local communities.
This initiative not only demonstrates the power of corporate social responsibility but also the profound impact that teamwork and community involvement can have on improving healthcare and quality of life in Fiji.
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