In an effort to resource Fiji’s farming communities with proper farming wear, Australian retailer Lowes Menswear collaborated with Vuvale Outsourcing to distribute 26,000 pairs of industrial work pants to farm workers in Fiji.
Vuvale Outsourcing is a subsidiary of BDE Group based in Queensland, while the Australian-based donor is Lowes Australia, a retail store with 200 stores all over Australia.
The recent handover at Vitogo Village in Lautoka last Friday is the second phase of the initiative. The first phase was launched this year and distributed by Foundation for Needy Children Fiji (FENC).
The donation includes over 26,000 pairs of brand-new industrial work pants, which will be distributed to farm workers across Fiji with a particular focus on the sugar industry.
With a retail value of over $2million, the high-quality pants are designed for toughness, breathability, and freedom of movement-suited for the everyday conditions faced by Fiji’s rural agricultural workforce. While officiating as chief guest, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Communications Manoa Kamikamica extended appreciation to Lowes Australia and Vuvale Outsourcing.
“This handover is more than just a ceremonial event, it is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors join forces for the benefit of our people,” he said.
“It is also a living testament to the impact of the outsourcing industry in Fiji, an industry that has grown from strength to strength and continues to support thousands of young Fijians with meaningful employment.”
Mr Kamikamica said an ecosystem that supported farming households holistically needed to be created.
Vuvale Outsourcing co-founder Miles Blok said the work pants were designed specifically for physical workplaces, be they at the mill or on the road.
“This is not just about comfort, but about safety, dignity and pride in the work that you all do that sustains this country.
“These are not just garments that they’re handing over. It’s a symbol of our respect for the early mornings, the long hours and the vital contribution that our farmers make to this country every single day, a reminder to us that the people working in the fields deserve to be seen, deserve to be supported and deserve to be celebrated.”
FENC Fiji divisional co-ordinator West Saimoni Pareti said, “We are very grateful for the partnership with Vuvale Outsourcing and donor Lowes Australia. Earlier this year a substantial amount of clothing was donated for our needy children, and this is the second stage of donation where working pants and sewing materials are being given.
“These working pants will greatly benefit our vulnerable families especially in the farming community.”
