Value City donated more than $50,000 in cash and kind to WOWS Kids Fiji in Suva today to support its work, which includes raising awareness of the early signs and symptoms of childhood cancer in the country.
The organization committed the month of August to raising funds across their branches nationwide by hosting morning teas—an initiative they took on after a staff member of the country’s largest second-hand clothing retailer lost a child to cancer last year.
Vera Chute, Managing Director of Value City, said they had chosen WOWS Kids as their main CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) charity this year.
“We sincerely appreciate the support from corporations, businesses, friends, families, and Value City customers who contributed generously, making this event a success. We intend to make this an annual tradition and look forward to your continued support for this very worthy cause.
“To witness anyone bravely battling cancer is heartbreaking, but to see children suffering from this dreaded illness is unimaginable. Some of you may know a child who is fighting hard or has lost their battle.”
Of the total amount collected, which amounted to $53,241.40, half was raised from the morning tea and fundraising events (Value City branches’ morning tea raised $10,161.70, and an additional $11,338 was raised from a fundraising event, along with $5,121 in donated goods), and this amount was matched by Value City.
An emotional Sina Kami, co-founder of the non-profit charity foundation, expressed gratitude for the support from Value City.
All donations to WOWS Kids go towards purchasing medicines for chemotherapy, transportation, providing hospital support, hosting fun days for the children, offering funeral assistance, and covering a small percentage of administration costs.
