Fiji Red Cross Society Celebrates International Volunteer Day 2024
Nadi, Fiji – 5 December 2024: The Fiji Red Cross Society (FRCS) today proudly celebrated
International Volunteer Day (IVD) with a vibrant gathering in Nadi, bringing together
representatives from all 16 branches. The event, themed “Honouring the Hearts of Humanity
in the Community,” was a heartfelt tribute to the dedication and selfless service of volunteers
who are the backbone of the organization’s humanitarian work.
With a network of over 800 committed volunteers, the FRCS plays a crucial role in fostering
resilience, compassion, and community spirit across Fiji. The annual celebration, aligned with
the global recognition of IVD on December 5, emphasizes the immense contributions of
volunteers in building resilient communities and upholding humanitarian values.
Recognizing Volunteer Excellence
This year’s event highlighted the extraordinary contributions of volunteers with a special
awards presentation. Among the honorees were:
Volunteer of the Year: Likuleta Tabucakau, a dedicated and familiar face in communities
across the Nalawa area in Ra province. Likuleta’s tireless commitment to humanitarian service
and her leadership in strengthening community resilience earned her the top honor.
Volunteer of the Division – Central Eastern: Susau Ravai of the Rotuma Branch, recognized
for her unwavering dedication to community development and strengthening branch
operations.
Volunteer of the Division – Western: Ashilta Ram of the Tavua Branch, celebrated for her
impactful contributions to community programs and disaster preparedness initiatives.
Volunteer of the Division – Northern: Ateca Nayasi of the Savusavu Branch, honored for her
steadfast efforts in empowering her community and building resilience in vulnerable areas.
In addition to these prestigious awards, volunteers from all 16 FRCS branches were
acknowledged for their consistent contributions to humanitarian efforts.
Inspiring Leadership and Dedication
The event’s Chief Guest, FRCS Board Member Ms. Risita Devi, delivered a moving address,
reflecting on her personal journey from a Tavua Branch volunteer to becoming a leader in
humanitarian work. She highlighted the transformative power of volunteering and the deep
connections it fosters within communities.
“This work is more than just giving—it’s about connecting, listening, and being there when
people need us most. Volunteers are the heartbeat of humanitarian service,” Ms. Devi
remarked, inspiring the audience with her story of resilience and compassion.
Advancing the Strategic Vision
The celebration also reinforced the vital role of volunteers in advancing the FRCS Strategic
Plan 2022–2026, which focuses on strengthening branch capacities and expanding
community outreach. FRCS Director General Ms. Ragigia Dawai expressed her gratitude and
admiration for the volunteers:
“Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization. The strategic direction we have laid out
for 2022–2026 demands extraordinary effort and resilience from them. Today, we celebrate
their achievements, honor their sacrifices, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their
work.”
A Collaborative Effort
The FRCS extended its heartfelt gratitude to its partners—the Australian High Commission
and Digicel Fiji—for their invaluable support in making this event possible. Their contributions
highlight the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change.
The event concluded with a call to action, inviting the broader community to join the FRCS in
creating a more inclusive and resilient society through the power of volunteering. The
celebration served as a platform for sharing stories of hope, resilience, and solidarity while
showing FRCS’s ongoing commitment to empowering its volunteers.
END
About Fiji Red Cross Society: Fiji Red Cross Society is a humanitarian organization dedicated to
building healthy and resilient communities and serving the most vulnerable. With a presence in all 4
Divisions through our 16 Branches, Fiji Red Cross offers a wide range of programs in disaster response,
health promotion, community resilience, and more. Through its network of dedicated volunteers and
staff, Fiji Red Cross strives to alleviate suffering, restore hope, and build resilient communities. Fiji Red
Cross Society has been serving communities in Fiji for more than 50 years