Bula readers! It has been another auspicious and exciting week as we celebrated the 13th year of Fiji Fashion Week which I enjoyed tremendously as it seems to go from strength to strength with each event.
We also celebrated the 50-year anniversary of Fiji Society for the Blind as they continue to strive against the odds to bring quality education and also assist the blind and partially blind in society.
Once again full credit to the wonderful executives who continue to work hard and tirelessly for the organisation.
However, there is another organisation I would also like to acknowledge that may not get the recognition it deserves in the social services field, but regardless of this punches well above its weight, as it also celebrates its 50 years of being in existence in Fiji.
This club is affectionately known as Corona, no not the beer, and certainly not the virus, but a social and service club that has been assisting the poor, needy and most vulnerable in our nation for half a century.
On Wednesday they celebrated their 50th golden anniversary during a morning tea event held at the British High Commissioner’s residence.
The event itself was one of reflection and also looking to the future as we were treated to a very special guest speaker Kathy Thoms, who is an esteemed honorary member and also one of the longest serving members of Corona Fiji joining the club more than 42 years ago.
Today the organisation is led by the talented and very hard working president, Soni Matthews, who is a hardworking local girl and even though she shies away from publicity, she has all the hallmarks and attributes of a fine leader.
One of Corona’s most enduring projects is their famous hospital trolley run which they have been doing for many years now.
The hospital trolley operates at CWM Hospital and is a welcome treat for those who are stuck in the wards toiling their day away.
In fact, the hospital trolley is always something to look forward to especially for those in the children’s ward as well as their parents and staff.
It brings a smile to the children’s faces as they are able to for a very small fee purchase anything from fresh fruits, drinks, toiletries to colouring books, pens, pencils etc to make their mundane stay more comfortable and tolerable.
Even the smiling faces of the Corona volunteers on duty are a welcome sight for all the patients, staff and visitors alike.
Any funds collected goes back into the hospital to purchase much needed medical equipment and consumables.
Actually I remember when I was a seven-year-old child and broke my arm by falling off a tree, the hospital I was in (not CWM) was a drab place to be as a young boy, but surprisingly I still remember the hospital trolley that came around and I had my eye on a very small red model car.
I gave a lay-by amount of money on the first day and I received the small red model car the next day.
I don’t remember anything about my stay in the hospital, but certainly remember that toy car I received from the hospital trolley and also the warm friendly smile from the lady serving me.
This further more goes to re-enforce, that small things given with love are priceless.
The Corona Club does so much more than just the hospital trolley and the list of assistance and activities they do is incredible.
So this week it was with great pride and joy that I celebrated with the executives and members of this enduring and most noble service club, 50 years of service in Fiji and 70 years as a worldwide service organisation.
Finally, my claim to fame with Corona is that I was fortunate enough to be the first male member of the club in Fiji and even though I don’t get a chance to be as active as I would like to be, I am a passionate
supporter of their work and also the fellowship that they have shared over the years and continue to share today.
Happy 50th anniversary Corona and thank you for your continued service to the poor and needy in our society. Vinaka!
