Rebuild Nananu-i-ra island
The tiny island of Nananu-i-ra is one of the worst hit by cyclone Winston. Local Fijians have lost so much and we want to help.
Waikato
Nananu-I-ra island sits off the north coast of the main Fijian island, Vitu Levu. It is home to a small group of local Fijians and was in the direct line of Cyclone Winston. Many of the locals have lost their house, boats and possessions.
The funds will initially be used purchase building materials to rebuild their homes. There is no running water or electricity on the island so water containers are needed as are fixes and fuel for generators. Boats need repairs and fuel to get on and off the island. Rather than provide cash, we will work with the locals on Nananu-I-ra to purchase supplies from local businesses so can we can ensure we help where it really matters.
If we have more funds than is needed for the island we will provide help for community rebuild projects to the mainland town of Rakiraki. Most of the island locals get food and supplies from this village and it plays an important part of their lives.
Devastation hit so much of Fiji and, though it is great to see help pouring in, the remoteness and size of Nananu-i-ra will mean help may take a long while to get to them.
Please help us to help our friends rebuild their lives.
Leen Van Duin's involvement (page creator)
Our family has been visiting Nananu-I-ra for nearly 25 years. These people are our Fijian family and many of our friends and family have felt the incredible hospitality, kindness and friendliness of these people. We would like to help our friends.
Latest update
Fund now closed 7 April 2016
Almost out last update, sadly on a day that Fiji is once again hit by strong winds and torrential rain at a time when they are least prepared, our thoughts are with our friends and family in Fiji
Our Givealittle page has now closed and we made a massive total of $ 11,009.00 which is very humbling and sincere thanks to all that have given either funds or goods, they have been greatly received.
We have a final shipment of goods going over the middle of next week which will be around 140 KG consisting of clothing, bedding, shoes etc. The island is slowly recovering and rebuilding has started. Some of the villagers e.g. Navi and Mereoni (whom some of you will know) are back in their original houses with enough damage repaired for them to return and begin to get their life back to some normality.
We have balance is $2660 still to be distributed, and will decide where best that can be used in the next few weeks.
Sue Scott is doing an amazing job helping each of the locals best spend their piece of the fund and is our essential link to the people on the island. We are very grateful for all her assistance and hard work.
Special mention and big thank you to our local contacts, Pae and Bal, for their for their sound advice and hard work distributing the goods.
As I mentioned our Givealittle page is now closed but for anyone who would still like to donate our good friend Aksel Jepsen has started a Givealittle fund directing practical and building assistance and materials etc to schools in the Rakiraki area. Aksel and his family have been active over many years assisting schools not only with funds but also materials, computers, books etc .
The link to his page is listed below.
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/rakirakischool
There perhaps will be one more e-mail from us giving you a rundown on our final spend but from Diane and I sincere thanks to you all for your generosity. Although there is a long way to go before
Nananu-i-ra and all of Fiji are back on their feet, we have made a difference.
Diane & Leen
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