Matrix digs deep for flood affected Fiji

On 29 March 2012, a tropical depression situated itself over Fiji's largest island, Viti Levu.  Over the next few days the whole Western side of the island was severely flooded, causing extensive damage and claiming the lives of five people. Around 13,000 individuals were evacuated from their homes and forced to seek refuge in shelters.  As the rain stopped and the rivers receded, the extent of the damage became clear. People were without food and water, towns had emptied, bridges were washed away, and people had no homes to return to. 

Following their recent Business Owners Conference in Fiji, Matrix Planning Solutions managed to raise in excess of $2600 for the charity Operation Foundation from generous contributions from conference delegates as well as a car load of donated clothing which included much needed hats and towels.  After the conference had finished, a small number of Matrix people were staying on for a holiday and gave up a day to help these people in need.

“We began by going to a big warehouse to help sort a large shipment of donated goods from Australia. Once we had packed all the clothing, food, water and simple supplies into boxes we delivered it to three flood affected communities,”  says Tracy Morris (Matrix Planning Solutions).

“The extent of the devastation does not hit home until you are in the villages and see it for yourself.  The Fijian people were so humble and happy to see us, even with no food, drinking water or a warm place to sleep, these people were happy to welcome us into their communities and share their stories and a few smiles with us,” says Tracy.

Operation Foundation, which began in 2006 by helping Fijian prisoners return to the community, has grown over the past years and has become the main aid organisation to assist in this flood disaster. There is a lot more work and support needed to help these people establish just the basic foundations to get back to their normal life before the flood hit.

Peter Schultz from Operation Foundation says  “What took us by surprise was the number of Matrix people who rolled up their sleeves and helped us as we took relief aid into the affected villages and communities around Nadi. It became a wonderful shared experience, still talked about by those assisted that day. Thank you Matrix, you really helped become part of the solution. ”

Should you wish to help this worthy cause. Financial Support from Australian donors is tax-deductible. Should you wish to donate money please visit the Operation Foundation website at www.operationfoundation.org.fj for further information.