What began as a simple idea during a business trip across Viti Levu has grown into one of Fiji’s most impactful charity cycling events.
The Fiji500 which is a 500-kilometre ride circumnavigating the island, is now in its fifth year and once again sees cyclists from New Zealand and Australia taking to the roads in support of the Cure Kids Fiji Oxygen Project.
For Reuben Tucker and his wife Alex Robertson, the co-founders of the ride, the inspiration was deeply personal.
“We’ve been extraordinarily fortunate to raise three healthy boys,” Reuben told The Sunday Times.
“Our work with Cure Kids is a way to give back to others who haven’t been as lucky.”
From school roof to oxygen
Originally launched in 2017 with just 12 riders and a small support crew, the Fiji500’s first mission was to raise funds for a school roof.
But a shocking statistic would soon alter its course, which is that over 200 Fijian children die each year from lack of access to medical oxygen.
“The Oxygen Project actually found us,” Reuben recalled.
“We saw a chance to raise funds for something that could have a real, positive impact for Fiji.”
The results since then have been staggering.
Over eight years, more than 90,000 patients have received care under the project, with 11,000 receiving life-saving oxygen.
Nine solar-powered oxygen facilities have also been established in remote communities, along with $1.1 million worth of critical medical equipment.
The heartbeat of Fiji
The four-day cycling route is not for the faint-hearted.
Riders face steep climbs, sweltering heat, and long days in the saddle.
But for Reuben, the real magic lies in the journey through Fiji’s hidden gems.
“It’s one of the world’s most beautiful rides, through remote villages, beaches, rivers and forests that most tourists never see,” he said.
“And when it gets tough, the cheering schoolkids, the villagers, and the big Fijian smiles keep us going.”
In one unforgettable moment during a past ride, the cyclists swapped their bikes for a bullock cart and raced local villagers near Korovou.
“By the time we finished, we must have had a thousand people shout ‘Bula!’ as we rode by,” Reuben said.
The fight for breath continues
This year’s ride supports the continued mission of the Fiji Oxygen Project which is a joint effort between Cure Kids Fiji and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
Dr Jimaima Kailawadoko-Matanaicake, country manager for Cure Kids Fiji, says the need is urgent.
“Pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of death among children in Fiji,” she said.
“No child, no person, should die for lack of oxygen.”
While major hospitals have stabilised their oxygen supply, rural and maritime health facilities face significant hurdles, including unreliable electricity.
Cure Kids Fiji is tackling this challenge head-on with the solarisation of remote health facilities, ensuring round-the-clock oxygen access.
“We’ve delivered over 300 oxygen concentrators, trained more than 1000 health workers, and treated over 50,000 patients since the height of the pandemic,” Dr Jimaima explained.
Transparency, partnership, and a vision
The success of the Fiji Oxygen Project is anchored in its strong partnerships, including support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the University of Auckland, corporate sponsors, local NGOs and its commitment to transparency.
“Every dollar raised goes directly into health programs,” said Dr Jimaima.
“Donors can track the impact through our annual reports, financial audits, and regular updates.”
Long-term sustainability, she emphasised, will depend on deep collaboration across health, energy, and environmental sectors.
Get involved
The Fiji500 is more than a bike ride, it’s a movement which thrives relies on community spirit and global support.
Individuals and companies in Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond are encouraged to join the cause.
To donate, register interest for the 2026 ride, or become a corporate sponsor, visit: fiji500.curekids.org.nz or curekids.org.fj.
“Our ultimate goal is clear,” said Reuben.
“No child in Fiji should die for lack of oxygen. Until that happens, we’ll keep riding.”
Riders briefed by Fiji Oxygen Program National Coordinator Udila Tawake on the Fiji Oxygen Program and the use of oxygen concentrators at Korovou Health Centre, 2024.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Reuben and Alex. Picture: SUPPLIED