Local charities share the impact of Wonderful Giving in Fiji

Working in partnership with local organizations in Fiji to address their needs is a cornerstone of how we approach philanthropy through the FIJI Water Foundation. With a focus on the provinces of Ra and Ba, where the majority of our FIJI Water employees live and work, we collaborate with local partners to strengthen the community’s health, education, families, and futures.

Through a one-of-a-kind initiative, Wonderful Giving, all full-time employees of The Wonderful Company – the parent company of FIJI Water – are granted an annual amount of company funds to give to nonprofits of their choice. In 2023, across the islands of Fiji, more than 750 employees (100% of Fiji-based employees) participated in Wonderful Giving and collectively donated more than FJ$250,000 to 56 nonprofit organizations.

From local organizations and neighborhood recreation centers to veteran groups and hospitals, the FIJI Water Foundation actively seeks to partner with organizations to help further their initiatives and reach.

“At the FIJI Water Foundation, we believe that by listening to, investing in, and collaborating with the places we call home, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone,” said Marie Smith, manager, FIJI Water Foundation. “The Wonderful Giving program is one of the many ways we support the people of Fiji by providing critical funding that’s focused on education, health and wellness, community development initiatives, and more.”

Some of the 2023 Wonderful Giving recipients in Fiji include:

Fiji Cancer Society

Fiji Cancer Society supports advocacy, education, and patient programs for cancer patients and their families. “We greatly appreciate the FIJI Water Foundation’s donation to Fiji Cancer’s cause and your willingness to collaborate,” said Sema Maca, events coordinator, Fiji Cancer Society. The Society is the primary cancer center in Fiji and has a specific task force designed to address cervical cancer, which is Fiji’s most common form of cancer.

Golden Age Home Suva

The Golden Age Home in Suva is an aged care facility that looks after Suva’s elderly population. “Thank you to the FIJI Water Foundation for the continuous support,” said Nitishma Kumar, care officer, Golden Age Home Suva.

‍WOWS Kids Fiji (Walk On Walk Strong)

WOWS Kids Fiji is named after the song titled “Walk On, Walk Strong,” written by Tae Kami, a young Tongan girl who sadly passed away from cancer at the age of 15. The song reflects Tae’s dream of bringing higher-quality cancer care to children in the South Pacific. “We are so thankful for the FIJI Water Foundation and their annual donation,” said Mere Williams, team leader, WOWS Kids. “These funds usually come at a time when we are searching for funding, and we’re very grateful.”

‍Father Law Home

The Father Law Home provides essential shelter and comfort for elderly men and women. “The residents, Sister, and Father Law Home Management Board would like to say a big ‘VINAKA VAKALEVU’ to the staff at the FIJI Water Foundation for the wonderful gift and donation you have blessed the 28 residents of Father Law Home with,” said Joeli Moceivale, manager, Father Law Home.

‍Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)

SPCA Fiji aims to improve the lives of all animals in Fiji through their animal shelters, animal abuse investigations, and veterinary services. “Thank you for coming to SPCA to deliver this great news, we appreciate it and are grateful for your donation,” said Iliaseri Melvin Bale, junior veterinarian intern, SPCA.