Cyclone Relief for Ono Island, Kadavu, Fiji
Donation protected
On April 8th, Cyclone Harold, a category-5 cyclone with gusts up to 150 miles an hour, swept through the South Pacific basin, and left a path of absolute devastation from the Solomon Islands to Tonga. The Kadavu Island Group in Fiji, which includes Ono Island, was especially hard hit. The total damage inflicted to life and limb, and all forms of shelter and livelihood on Ono Island, is yet to be tallyed because most of the means of communication have been destroyed. There has been no word at all yet from several villages in the area but we are hoping that no lives were lost. Because this happened in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of this devastation are greatly amplified. Transportation is cut off to the island due to the virus, so the only help for the villages in these remote areas will come from small private efforts like this one. (We have some small boats that can help transport basic needs around the area.)
The Fijian “soli” (fundraiser) is the centuries-old tradition villagers have always used to help one another through the most difficult of times. But the current need is way beyond what this can do and outside help is the only way. Also because of COVID-19, their traditional livelihood avenues have disappeared -- hospitality has dried up and now farms have been swept away.
The money raised through this campaign will be used to assist in providing basic necessities, including food and medical supplies, and rebuilding the homes, community centers, and schools that were lost or sevely damaged. In the Fijian tradition of absolute fairness, the assistance will be divided equally among all the villages in the area. We will be talking to each of the local village chiefs to assess their priorities and then provide assistance accordingly.
The people of Ono and Kadavu have given all visitors incredible joy and wonder — and for many of us, a renewed faith in community, kindness and generosity. Can you help them in this time of great need? Any amount would be appreciated!
All the best, always,
Liz Morehead and Martin Hilton
Oneta Foundation (a 501c3 charity, EIN 84-2698154),
dedicated to helping the people on Ono Island (and when possible, the surrounding Kadavu area) in all areas — physical and mental wellbeing, environmental protection, and cultural preservation.
The Fijian “soli” (fundraiser) is the centuries-old tradition villagers have always used to help one another through the most difficult of times. But the current need is way beyond what this can do and outside help is the only way. Also because of COVID-19, their traditional livelihood avenues have disappeared -- hospitality has dried up and now farms have been swept away.
The money raised through this campaign will be used to assist in providing basic necessities, including food and medical supplies, and rebuilding the homes, community centers, and schools that were lost or sevely damaged. In the Fijian tradition of absolute fairness, the assistance will be divided equally among all the villages in the area. We will be talking to each of the local village chiefs to assess their priorities and then provide assistance accordingly.
The people of Ono and Kadavu have given all visitors incredible joy and wonder — and for many of us, a renewed faith in community, kindness and generosity. Can you help them in this time of great need? Any amount would be appreciated!
All the best, always,
Liz Morehead and Martin Hilton
Oneta Foundation (a 501c3 charity, EIN 84-2698154),
dedicated to helping the people on Ono Island (and when possible, the surrounding Kadavu area) in all areas — physical and mental wellbeing, environmental protection, and cultural preservation.
Fundraising team: Oneta Foundation (2)
Eva Hilton
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
Elizabeth Morehead
Beneficiary
Elizabeth Morehead
Team member