SURREY – The Independence Day celebration on October 13th organized by the Fiji Disaster Relief Society (FDRS) at the Taj Park Convention Centre was not only to rejoice Fiji’s 49th Independence Day celebration but, to raise funds for a new senior’s home in Surrey.
The Fijians in Vancouver came out in numbers to celebrate and support the fundraising, whilst, handed a cheque for more than $10,000.00 to the directors of PICS seniors’ home in Surrey this afternoon towards the building of a new seniors Diversity Village home. PICS seniors’ home is currenty housing about 43 % Fijian seniors.
A Fijian Businessman Mr Peter Raju, owner of the Peace Arch Duty Free at the Canada and US Border, stepped forward to support the cause as one of the major contributor towards the fundraising. Mr Raju is content to see the effort made by the FDRS Members for the prodigious cause.
The newly formed organization in 2017, have accomplished quite immensely as a charitable organization in Vancouver. in a short span of time since its formation.
In the past, FDRS members with the help from local community have raised funds for Fiji’s Cyclone victims in 2017, raising almost $15000.00 (FJ) to build a Cyclone shelter through an Australian NGO, Habitat Humanity. In 2018, $5000.00 was collected for the PICS Home at the Fiji’s 48th annual Independence day celebration last year in Surrey.
And now, the community have rallied behind the great cause to raise more then 10k for the new seniors home in Cloverdale.
Pictured: Standing from L-R: Jeetu Raj ( Radio Fiji Mirchi Announcer) Irshad Khan( FDRS Director) Kavin Chand ( President FDRS) Paul Dosanjh ( PICS) Andy Chand ( FDRS Director) Inderjeet Hundal ( PICS) Salesh Prasad ( FDRS Director) Satbir Cheema ( PICS CEO) Sushil Pal ( FDRS Director) Sanji Sharma ( FDRS Director) and Kamill Singh ( Chairperson FDRS). Missing : Pravind Sharma and Avinesh Bachan ( FDRS).