28,000 face masks are being distributed to communities throughout Fiji through the combined efforts of Rotary Clubs in New Zealand and Fiji, from Rotary Districts 9940 and 9920.
The face masks were generously donated to Rotary District 9940 in New Zealand by renowned air filter company Lanaco and were shipped to Fiji through the financial support of the Rotary Club of Awapuni in New Zealand, and three Rotary Clubs in Fiji – Rotary Clubs of Suva East, Suva and Suva North.
The face masks are high quality combination ear loop or head strap masks allowing the best possible fit, which is essential for protection at the highest level.
Valued at NZD 195,000, they are manufactured to n95 levels, providing a higher degree of protection compared to surgical and cloth masks by way of filter technology developed in New Zealand by Lanaco.
Rotary Fiji (consisting of eight Rotary Clubs and two Rotaract Clubs in Fiji) has this week begun donating the masks to rural communities, informal settlements and villages on Viti Levu. Some masks are being distributed through Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office ,
Medical Services Pacific and Fiji Council of Social Services. Nakini Village in Naitasiri and Qauia Village in Lami were also given some face masks last week. Masks will also be distributed in Lautoka, Nadi and Rakiraki through Rotary Fiji’s network of clubs.
Rotary Fiji is thankful to the wonderful support of Rotarians Adrienne Murray of the Porirua Club and Venkatesh Kannan of the Rotary Club of Awapuni who were instrumental in approaching Nick Davenport – Managing Director of Lanaco to support Fijians in this time of need.
Adrienne Murray who is also the District 9940 Grants Chair said the partnership was an outstanding example of networks within and across Rotary to achieve outcomes in a very short period of time.
Rotary District 9920 Area Governor Fiji, Poasa Werekoro said given the rising number of COVID-19 infections in Fiji, the donation was timely and very much appreciated.
“Many Fijians are having to make the stark choice of prioritising spending what little they have on food over face masks. Face masks have become an essential part of our daily lives and as an additional household expense, can be inaccessible for some high-risk and vulnerable communities.
Rotary Fiji hopes the face masks will be used wisely by recipients to protect themselves as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus,” said Mr. Werekoro
A second consignment containing 53,000 face masks are expected to arrive in Fiji next month and will be similarly distributed to communities that especially need them.
Rotary Fiji pleads with Fijians to adhere to all COVID-19 protocols and assist in stopping the spread of the virus.