We aim to buy 50 walking sticks for Fiji Blind School

Hi All,

On our last trip to Fiji, we were introduced to a fund raising campaign that Fiji Blind School were doing at the time in Suva. At the end of this event, we were invited to a thanks giving lunch at the school thanking all who had been involved with their fund raising.

We were stunned at the good work this school has been doing since 1978 with limited funds but unlimited love and determination. They not only had children from Fiji but other pacific island countries as well. The aim of this school is to empower and train the blind from their childhood and to continue this support system for the blind throughout their lives. They were taught, not only do their normal activities of daily living, but also, to learn braille and gain formal education so they can be employed and look after themselves. We were informed that a some of their alumni were employed in the bank and other offices. I met one such adult student who now works within the school and prepares braille books and other material for the students. The school is always in need for benefactors and donations as the families of the children who they look after are usually not financially able to provide for their children. Currently, they have 3 children who do not have a proper walking stick and are managing with make-do ones made out of branches of the trees . These are not as sentitive to touch and are heavy and they snap easily. Canes are the eyes and touch of a blind person and critical to their independent existence. This is an inventory which is always in high demand as there is normal wear and tear and damage to them. A bit like what would happen to the soles of our shoes if we use them a lot and kick and scrub them everywhere to gauge the terrain and the surroundings.

Details about the school can be found on the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fiji-Blind-School/638471966163967

Cost of these canes ranges from $45-$52 ea. This can be found at the link below for NZ blind foundation where I will purchase them from:

https://blindfoundation.org.nz/shop/category/canes-and-accessories/

I am rasing funds to purchase 50 walking sticks ( 25 children and 25 adult size) and then send them to Fiji. This will cost me $2500 plus freight.