Christmas means different things to different people.
For some, it is a time to spend with family and loved ones and exchange gifts; for others, it is a religious reminder of Christ’s birth, as well as a large feast at the end of the day.
However, Christmas is also a season of goodwill, and it can be a difficult time for many people, including the homeless, the recently bereaved, the lonely, and those struggling to make ends meet.
Every year, over 400,000 children and adolescents under the age of 20 are diagnosed with cancer.
Unfortunately, it’s an unrecognized threat that is robbing our children and adolescents of this special time in their lives.
The Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (PaCE-SD) team was privileged to participate in and bring joy to ten Walk on Walk Strong (WOWS) Kids over the weekend by distributing gifts organized by the Uto ni Yalo Trust (UNYT).
The Uto ni Yalo Trust (UNYT) hosted the Walk on Walk Strong (WOWS) Kids and their families on a day’s sail from the Yacht Club around Suva Harbour to help spread a little Christmas cheer and joy to those children diagnosed with cancer.
“The Christmas Sail for kids under the WOWS Kids Fiji care, of which Colin was also a founding Trustee, was a fitting tribute to his life,” said Mr Teddy Fong, President of the Uto ni Yalo Trust (UNYT).
“The sail included a visit to Colin’s sea resting place, where the kids left flowers following a prayer and short sermon by Uto ni Yalo Chaplain and Trustee, Rev.James Bhagwan,” he added.
We also like to thank “the Pacific Center for Environment and Sustainable Development staff for the Little Christmas Miracle gifts which the kids loved.”
The WOWS Kids Fiji (WKF) is a non-profit Charity Foundation in Fiji that helps children with cancer.
Teresia Powell said, “The year 2022 was challenging and extremely busy for the University of the South Pacific.”
“The PaCE-SD staff came up with the idea to do something out of the ordinary,” she added.
So we decided on Christmas gift-giving because we knew it would make a difference in the lives of others.”
The PaCE-SD team is currently conducting a Christmas Drive, which will conclude on Wednesday, December 21.
Any type of donation, including clothing and gift cards, can be dropped off at the PaCE-SD EU block building on USP’s lower campus.
We would also like to thank everyone who has already contributed to this worthy cause.
