The General Manager – Sales and Operations of Vinod Patel Company Limited, Neelesh Singh is appealing to all Fijians to contribute and share the joy of giving this festive season as the company in collaboration with Save the Children is carrying out a toy and stationery drive to assist children in need.

Singh says they have been carrying out this drive since 2016 and have seen the overwhelming support from all sections of the society in Fiji for this cause.

He says they are receiving toys and stationery from customers in all their branches and they have noticed that the donation drive typically picks up about a week before Christmas.

Singh adds that the company will visit St. Christopher’s Home and Dilkusha Home next Saturday where they will distribute the toys to the children and spend some time engaging with them.

Meanwhile, the stationary drive will end on the 6th of January.

Save the Children CEO Shairana Ali says 1,000 families have requested for assistance so far.

She adds that families with a combined income of less than $120 a week can apply for assistance and will be required to fill a form and provide the foundation with the student's report card and a confirmation letter from the student's school.

She says the stationary will be donated before the beginning of the new school term next year.