LOCAL artist Viliame Navoka popularly known as Vly is not new to helping those who are in need.
The bubbly singer visited Feedmysheep Miriam Grace Home in Naikabula, Lautoka to donate a new set of beddings on Friday.
In an interview, Vly said he had visited the home about a week ago to see the conditions the residents were living in. The home is operated by Emily Qio, a single mother and shelters 15 homeless people.
“A friend of mine (Temesia Tuicaumia) does work with the Ministry of Women. Temesia had put on his Facebook story if anybody could help Grace Home” he said.
“I saw his story and responded to him because I was in Nadi for work.
“So, I posted on Facebook asking people if they wanted to help, and a lot of people donated money and sent money to my M-Paisa number.”
Vly acknowledged the former Women Minister Lynda Tabua and her foundation for donating $1500.
“And that is why we are here because I saw the shelter and thought to myself that it’s probably going to be cold to be sleeping without blankets, mattresses and pillows. So that is why I am here, a week later today, and a big thank you to everyone that actually contributed.
“And I think, for me personally, I am content with what I have and at least to realise with people in need around and help (them) with whatever way we can.
“Those who know me and are friends with me on social media know that every time I see some social media posts, I like to think I am emotional wreck.
“Because every time I see a post that feels sad and I just do a call out, or reach out to a few friends.
“And I just help.
“This is the first time I am helping a home like this, otherwise I just help single mothers that I see on social media, and I guess I am blessed to have a quite a lot of following on social media.
“So that is how I can reach out and round up a few people just to help with initiatives such as this.”
Vly encourages people to lend a helping hand to those who in need.
“Emily Qio is doing a great job, she is a single mother of six, that in itself is a lot of challenges to be a single mother and to have a big heart like hers and open her door to help all other people.
“So, anybody out there if you can help, please do,” he said.
Residents of Feedmysheep Miriam Grace Shelter and founder Emily Qio (standing left) with the items gifted by Viliame Navoka (standing fourth from right) at Naikabula, Lautoka.
Picture: BALJEET SINGH
Feedmysheep Miriam Grace Shelter founder Emily Qio (standing left) along with residents with the items donated by Vly Navoka(back middle) at Vunato, Lautoka .Picture: BALJEET SINGH
