Nestle Fiji, CJ Patel (Pacific) Ltd and Viti Foods Ltd, through their Distributor Au Bon Marche, donated 1.5 million vatu worth of food stock to the Minister Of Climate Change and Natural Disaster, Ham Lini Vanuaroroa, to assist victims of repatriation in
The handover took place at the National Disaster Management Office headquarters yesterday.
Territory Manager, Krishneel Lingam said that, “on behalf of Nestle Fiji, CJ Patel (Pacific) Ltd and Viti Foods Ltd, we are happy to provide relief assistance to the Ambae volcano victims who are now being repatriated back to their home island.”
According to a report on Yumi Tok Tok Stret, the donation comprised 200 cartons of Maggi Noodles and 150 cartons of Angel Gold Fiji Mackerel which are the favorite household brands for noodles and canned fish.
In receiving the donation, Minister Vanuaroroa said that, “due to the drastic effects of volcanic ashes on land produce, crops will take some time to grow so the food shortage still exists. This assistance will greatly help provide sustenance for the families in Ambae in their time of repatriation. I would like to thank the main Fiji companies who have helped us and Au Bon Marche for their continued assistance to the people of Vanuatu in their time of challenge and need.”
Following a mass evacuation of over 11,000 Ni Vanuatu families out of Ambae island over the past months to safety to nearby Santo, Pentecost and Maewo, amidst a rising active Lobenben volcano in the Manaro area, the evacuees are now being repatriated back to their home island after the state of emergency has been called off yesterday, following the reduction of volcanic activity and threat levels.
National concern continues in an effort to help them restart their lives and more international businesses and organizations are providing relief assistance to help alleviate the situation.