Food shortage is a major issue in Fiji in the wake of this week’s floods

Food shortage is a major issue in Fiji in the wake of this week’s floods as authorities count the cost of the disaster. Rotary throughout New Zealand is coordinating a nation-wide relief campaign. District Governor 9920 Alan Eyes said “Fiji Rotary clubs have already donated $6000 for food parcels which are being sourced and distributed to those in need in the west.” DG Alan praised the Rotarian team in Fiji, led by relief coordinator Bob Niranjan, in the wake of the flooding which killed at least six people.

President Rick Eyre and club members of Lautoka Rotary, and President Sanjit Patel of the Rotary Club of Nadi were working in the Nadi area and the West to identify needs and to assist.

To quote DG Alan; “The feeling is now that the rain has eased the problems are being identified and the real assistance is required. Forty emergency response kits have been distributed and there will be many more in the coming days.”

“Food is a major issue. Fiji Rotary clubs have already donated $6000 for food parcels which are being sourced and distributed to those in need in the west.

Food packs

The Suva clubs are actively involved, with the Rotary clubs of Suva contributing 250 pieces of clothing going tomorrow, and 100 food packs despatched this morning – both for distribution by the Lautoka club.

By way of example, the food packs provided by the Rotary Club of Lautoka to the Andrews School Evacuation Centre where there were 86 families included: 4kg flour, 2 kg rice, 2kg sugar, 2kg potatoes, 1kg onions, 2 pkts breakfast crackers, 2 tins of fish, 1 pkt tea leaves, cooking oil, garlic, noodles. Value $35 each. Actual food pack contents do vary depending on the supply source.

Rotary Club of Nadi has been working with the Rama Krishna Mission in cooking and distributing food with more parcels planned in the coming days.

Rotary NZ World Community Services coordinator, Christchurch-based Stuart Batty, continued to liaise with NZ’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and Rotary leaders in Fiji. Stuart plans to travel to Fiji on Sunday.

Urgent assistance is required and Rotary club and the public can support by sending donations to the Rotary New Zealand 2012 Fiji Flood Appeal:

Money is urgently needed. We invite all Rotarians to consider making a donation of $NZ40 to purchase a food parcel for a family.

• Rotary New Zealand World Community Service: www.rnzwcs.org where there is a PayPal credit card facility, or

• Internet banking telegraphic transfer to Westpac Banking Corporation, Wellington, NZ account number 03 1702 0192208 02 (international donors will also require Swift Code WPACNZ2W, IBAN Code 031702) for account name RNZWCS Limited (Rotary New Zealand), and include reference Fiji Flood , and/or donor name and club

• Cheque made payable to RNZWCS Limited posted to PO Box 20309, Christchurch 8543, New Zealand

Donations are tax deductible within NZ. More information at: www.rnzwcs,org

If the food parcel appeal is oversubscribed, then the surplus will be used to directly assist those in need and/or replenish the Emergency Response Kits.

Rotary in New Zealand also requests clubs to consider making a donation to replenish the Emergency Response Kits which are currently being distributed. A suggested figure is $600 per kit. www.rnzwcs,org provides more details.