Help me bring healthcare to Fijians

  • AU$1,957.00
    raised of AU$2,600.00 goal goal
75% Funded
40 Donors

No more donations are being accepted at this time. Please contact the campaign owner if you would like to discuss further funding opportunities

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To many people, Fiji is seen as an idyllic location, a place where holiday makers can experience the beauty and relaxation of island life. Picture yourself there….with your favourite cocktail in hand, lying by the pool in the warm Pacific sun.It feels like paradise doesn’t it?

But the reality for local islanders is a very different story.

Although Fiji is considered to be one of the more progressive of the Pacific island economies, it is still a developing country.

Like most developing nations, these beautiful people are experiencing health issues that could be easily prevented. But unlike some of these countries, the Fijians have an oversupply of food – in a form that is making them very sick.

According to a study in 2013, almost 1 in 3 Fijian’s is now diabetic and within the next 5 years this is projected to increase to 50%. Obesity is a serious issue for island communities due to a lack of public health education in the face of cheap imported high carbohydrate and fatty foods. There is also a huge increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as a result of poor diet, in particular diabetes and heart disease.

Sadly, Fijians have a vastly reduced life expectancy compared to Australians.Children are losing their grandparents too young; and adults are developing diabetes at younger and younger ages.

A recent survey done on staff at a leading Fijian resort found 88% of them to be either overweight or obese, and several staff were found to have blood pressures over 180 (considered to be an emergency/high risk of stroke here in Australia). Locals very rarely see a doctor because the public medical system is under intense strain and they have to often wait over 6 hours just to see a GP (which results in them not going to the GP at all).

You may be wondering how a Naturopath can help out in Fiji?

Well, herein lies the answer!

I am heading over to Fiji for two weeks this August to volunteer with Involvement Volunteers International (IVI), to help out with their Nutrition and Public Health Program.

Together we will empower Fijians to make informed decisions regarding their health.

With your help, we can make a difference in people’s lives through basic healthcare, regular health checks and most importantly - education.

The aim of this project is health promotion and free assessments in corporate businesses, schools & community centres to increase the knowledge about nutrition and the effect of physical activity in the prevention of obesity and development of NCD’s.

How much do I need to raise?

I am asking for $2600 to cover airfares, insurance and travel VISA, as well as the cost of the program. The program provides blood sugar test strips, basic wound care, running costs like travel, accommodation and meals for volunteers, plus support for the local homestay families (so that they can continue to accommodate us).

If I end up exceeding this total (fingers crossed!), then the additional money will be put towards providing medical equipment such as wound care supplies, or it will be spent on necessary items for the locals.

In the past, we’ve funded computers for kids at remote schools, ambulance trips for high needs emergency patients, and this time, we are looking at whether we can fund a fridge for the villagers on one of the remote islands to keep their food fresh (so that they can buy fruit and veggies at the market on the mainland and take it by boat back to their home – the soil is too sandy and the winds too strong and salty for them to grow their own veg!).

If you are in a position to donate, then any amount, big or small will be much appreciated.

If you think any of your friends, family or colleagues might be keen to help out with a donation too, please share amongst your networks!

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Please note, IVI is a registered charity, so donations are tax deductible.

The best places to follow along are: http://www.herbaceous.net.au and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/herbaceoushampton/ and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/herbaceoushampton/


Reference: Involvement Volunteers International www.volunteering.org.au

GoGetFunding Partner

  • Involvement Volunteers International
  • Involvement Volunteers Association Inc (IVI) and GoGetFunding have partnered to offer an online fundraising solution for it’s volunteers around the world. IVI is a non profit international volunteer organization based on Australia with over 25 years of service. We provide quality, authentic & affordable volunteer experiences. If you are a IVI volunteer needing to fundraise, start your campaign now and select 'IVI' from the campaign category drop-down.
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Organizer

  • Gabriella Nelson

Donors

  • Jose Pante
  • Donated on Jul 27, 2018
AU$5.00
  • Monique Milne
  • Donated on Jul 26, 2018
  • Great Job Gab- Such a great cause! xx

AU$20.00
  • Katrina Farrelly
  • Donated on Jul 25, 2018
  • Well done Gab x

AU$30.00

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Donors & Comments

40 donors
  • Jose Pante
  • Donated on Jul 27, 2018
AU$5.00
  • Monique Milne
  • Donated on Jul 26, 2018
  • Great Job Gab- Such a great cause! xx

AU$20.00
  • Katrina Farrelly
  • Donated on Jul 25, 2018
  • Well done Gab x

AU$30.00
  • Kate McIntyre
  • Donated on Jul 22, 2018
  • Great work Gab! Hope it goes brilliantly!!

AU$100.00
  • Rebecca Winkler
  • Donated on Jul 20, 2018
  • Great job Gab and Jules!! Hopefully I can join you on an adventure one day soon. Xx

AU$50.00
  • Simon Gowland
  • Donated on Jul 19, 2018
  • Well done Gabe. Fantastic initiative and good luck!

AU$100.00
  • Natasha Jones
  • Donated on Jul 17, 2018
  • The world needs more people like you in it Gabriella! You are so inspiring! Tasha & Riley xx

AU$100.00
  • Lynn James-Siddle
  • Donated on Jul 13, 2018
  • Great work Gabriella, look forward to hearing about your experience.

AU$50.00
  • Natalie Hartwig
  • Donated on Jul 10, 2018
  • What a wonderful service you are offering those in need lovely!! Team CE is so proud of you xx

AU$50.00
  • Helen Pritchard
  • Donated on Jul 07, 2018
  • Good luck Gab and great work. You'll make a huge difference to those you meet through this work!

AU$40.00
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Followers

6 followers
Rebecca Winkler
Mary Adler
Marysze Molloy
Cindy Lane
Ann Lazzaro
Sarah Bertolla
AU$1,957.00
raised of AU$2,600.00 goal
75% Funded
40 Donors

No more donations are being accepted at this time. Please contact the campaign owner if you would like to discuss further funding opportunities