Generosity for Fiji brings tears

HELPING HANDS: Vijeshwar Prasad holds donations from his own household going to help Fiji.PHOTO/NATALIE SIXTUS

People's generosity toward cyclone-hit Fiji has brought tears to Vijeshwar Prasad's eyes.

The Fijian man, now living in Whanganui, is looking after one of three places in the region where contributions toward the disaster are being collected.

He's received a lot of calls since Cyclone Winston hit the Fijian islands on February 20-21.

"One old lady came and asked what she should buy. She had $200 and was going to go to Briscoes ... tears can come out," he said.

Others have offered to come help iron and sort donated clothes and shoes. Whanganui councillor Jenny Duncan was the first to contribute to an account set up for aid - Mr Prasad said she put in $100.

"This is a time when we all are united and everyone is doing their share."

What's needed now are clothes, shoes, cooking utensils and non-perishable food. Clean water is needed too, but must be bought and, of course, cash donations are needed.

Clothes should be of a quality the donor would wear themselves and warm clothes are welcome, Mr Prasad said. Fijian people shivered in winter in temperatures of 24C because they are not used to it.

His brother and sister-in-law returned from Fiji on Sunday, and saw the situation first hand. "They said it was very bad - every person in Fiji is affected."

They told of one family that sheltered in their toilet after their roof was blown away. Then the toilet roof blew away too, and it got very wet. One girl who had asthma died as a result.

Items for Fiji can be left at Mr Prasad's house at 136 Anzac Parade, or at Iliesa Tamaniyaga's house at 124 Harrison St or at 36 Gordon Cres in Marton. Donations must be made before March 13, in time to be included in a container being shipped from Auckland.

Donations can also be made to Westpac account no 030683 0166447 00.

Countdown supermarkets are also fundraising for Fiji. The business has put in $10,000 and customers can donate in the stores, either as part of their grocery payment or in specially marked donation boxes. The proceeds will go the Oxfam New Zealand Cyclone Winston Appeal.