MORE than 550 families across Fiji received Diwali hampers over the weekend through Westpac Fiji’s annual community initiative delivered in partnership with Rotary Club of Fiji.
Westpac Fiji chief executive officer Shane Smith said the initiative reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting Fijian communities and celebrating Fiji’s diverse culture.
“At Westpac, we believe in the power of community and giving back,” Mr Smith said.
“This Diwali, we have once again partnered with Rotary Clubs across Fiji to support families most in need, continuing a tradition we are proud to uphold.”
Rotary Club of Suva Peninsula Sunset president Ravikash Chand said the partnership highlighted the impact of collaboration.
“Together, we are helping make Diwali a brighter occasion for those who might otherwise go without.
“Working alongside Westpac allows us to extend our reach and deliver meaningful support to families during this very special holiday in Fiji,” Mr Chand said.
This year’s distribution was coordinated by the Rotary Club of Suva Peninsula Sunset through the wider Rotary Fiji network, with Westpac employees and Rotarians volunteering to deliver hampers in Suva, Lautoka, Nadi, Labasa and Savusavu.
Avinash Chand, a hamper recipient from 2024, said the hamper was a ‘godsent’.
The Navula resident said his family of five was beyond grateful.
“I come from a family that is not very well off and so the Diwali hamper that was supplied by Westpac and Rotary team last year was a blessing from God. I do a little farming and carpentry work to earn money for our family, so it was a big help,” Mr Chand said.
Since 2020, Westpac has worked alongside Rotary and provided more than 2250 hampers across Fiji, each valued at approximately $60 and containing essential grocery items and sweets.
