Following the record-breaking floods that devastated Fiji in March, Sunshine Coast-based dredging and civil engineering company Hall Contracting has joined local Nadi businesses to assist the community, providing $FJD 15,000 (just over $AUD 8,000) that will be used to bring children back to school.
Hall Contracting Managing Director Cameron Hall said he was saddened to hear the effects of the floods were still being felt significantly around Nadi, and he was committed to ensuring children’s education opportunities were not compromised as a result of the disaster.
“The re-building of homes has placed many Fijian families under significant financial stress, leaving parents unable to afford their children’s school fees,” Mr Hall said.
“More than 1,200 children lost their homes in the floods and it’s saddening to think they would also lose their opportunity to receive an education; we couldn’t stand by and watch that happen, ” he said.
“By sponsoring five schools in Nadi, our donation will ensure these children can return to school for another year.”
Hall Contracting’s donation went to Nadi College, Nawaka District Primary, Nadi Airport School, Nadi Arya Samaj Primary Namaka and Saravi Pre-School.
Mr Hall said the company had completed a number of projects in Fiji, including the deepening and widening of a channel near Port Denarau, and the dredging of the Navua and Nadi rivers.
“ We consider the Fijian people to be our neighbours and our friends; they have always welcomed us with open arms we felt it was important to support them in their time of need,” Mr Hall said.
This donation follows the company’s sponsorship of three University of the Sunshine Coast students earlier this year, who undertook projects to assist the Fijian people.
“We’re proud to have supported the University students in examining coastal zone management and climate change in Fiji and taking part in an intensive international service project after the recent floods, ” Mr Hall said.
“At Hall, we realise our business can only thrive with the support of the communities in which we live and work and we’re dedicated to giving back to the community whenever possible.”
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Press Release, July 30, 2012; Image: hallcontracting