“The weather that we are supposed to be experiencing at this time of the year should be dry and sunny; instead, it is wet and cold.”
These are the sentiments often shared by community members where the Fiji Red Cross Society carries out its activities.
What they are describing is the harsh reality of climate change — a reality that has intensified, making disasters more unpredictable and devastating.
Fiji has lived through this reality firsthand. When Cyclone Winston, one of the fiercest storms ever to sweep the Southern Hemisphere, battered our islands in February 2016, its impact was staggering. Over 350,000 people felt its force. Homes vanished, families were uprooted, and entire communities found themselves fighting for the essentials: food, shelter, health, water, and sanitation. Even weeks after the winds had died down, the need for emergency shelter, vital supplies, emotional support, hygiene education, and disease prevention remained urgent.
The devastation was overwhelming. Nearly 11,500 houses were reduced to rubble, and another 19,700 suffered heavy damage. Many of these homes, built with only the bare essentials, stood little chance against the storm’s fury. Recovery called for more than just quick fixes; it required a promise to rebuild stronger, to prepare better, and to place community resilience at the very core of our efforts.
This is where the Fiji Red Cross Society continues to stand — at the forefront of preparedness.
What Winston and other disasters have taught us is that preparedness is the single most crucial factor in minimising the damage and disruption caused by emergencies.
Preparedness means families are trained in first aid, enabling them to treat injuries when medical care is far away. It means households equipped with emergency kits so they can sustain themselves in the days immediately following a disaster.
It means communities that know how to respond quickly and effectively, reducing the time it takes to get back on their feet.
Our theme this week, “Your Ticket Today is Someone’s Tomorrow,” reflects this truth. Every action taken today contributes to someone’s survival, recovery, and resilience tomorrow.
Each investment in preparedness saves lives and shortens the recovery time.
Fiji Red Cross Society director general Ragigia Dawai emphasised, “Preparedness is not just about responding to disasters — it is about giving people the skills, resources, and confidence to face them.
When communities are prepared, they recover faster, and they can protect what matters most: their families, their homes, and their futures.”
Preparedness is the heartbeat of the Fiji Red Cross Society’s mission to Keep Humanity Alive. Whether it is empowering thousands with lifesaving first aid, delivering emergency kits, or fortifying community resilience, our goal is clear.
When disaster comes, everyone is ready and no one stands alone.
Strong partnerships are essential to our work. We invite you to support our mission by attending the Fiji Red Cross Ball 2025. Each ticket purchased directly invests in preparedness and resilience for communities across Fiji, ensuring those affected by disaster have the resources to survive, recover, and rebuild.
As Ms Dawai reminds us, “Your generosity today is what keeps humanity alive tomorrow. Every ticket purchased, every hand extended in support, directly empowers us to prepare Fiji for the uncertainties ahead.”
Please stand with us to shape a stronger, more resilient Fiji. The ticket you buy today could be the lifeline that changes someone’s tomorrow.
To purchase tickets or discuss partnership opportunities, please call +679 744 2424 or email events@redcross.com.fj.
n Lasarusa Saqusaqu is the Fiji Red Cross Society’s marketing, communications and events officer
An emergency response training in Kadavu. The Fiji Red Cross Society stands at the forefront of preparedness. Pictures: supplied
Prepositioned containers
RIGHT: Temporary shelter set-up for training. Preparedness is the heartbeat of the Fiji Red Cross Society’s mission to keep humanity alive.
