Like so many countries and communities around the world, Fiji is struggling through Covid-19 and this week had its worst day since last March with more than 150 positive cases recorded.

Seeing it all first-hand, one of the country’s top resorts, Pearl South Pacific, recently put out a desperate call for masks, hand sanitiser, women’s sanitary items, toiletries, baby supplies, tinned fish, and rice/flour/dahl to name a few.

The resort has been a member of the Bartercard family since 2009, it was Bartercard’s first BC member in Fiji and its second in the South Pacific, so it was with this in mind that prompted Bartercard to join forces with One Light Charity and Qoin to answer their call.

“We decided to do a bit of a campaign,” said Bartercard Membership Relationship Specialist Julio Gutierrez. “The staff have brought in some donations and there are also some cash offerings, and as well as that we’ve got members from around the country who have decided to participate, along with Qoin and One Light Charity.”

In support of the ‘Give for Fiji’ initiative – an idea first floated by HQ staffer (former BC tourism business manager) Sarah Kershaw – company directors Tony Wiese and Raj Pathak generously offered to match the donations.

“We’ve come up with half a tonne of goods, mainly hand sanitisers and things that will help the community,” said Julio, who along with his workmates donned colourful islander shirts to liven up the spirit of a special ‘Give for Fiji’ morning tea and pay tribute to their overseas counterparts.

Pearl South Pacific Resort is said to be most grateful for the efforts of Bartercard, One Light Charity and Qoin with General Manager Natalie Marletta and her team looking forward to putting the donations to good use once they are received.

Fiji has had 1322 positive cases since its first last March, there are currently 943 active cases in isolation and overall, and the country has suffered five deaths.