Following the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Winston that battered the Fijian villages of Namacu and Koro Island, a small community group in the Douglas Shire continue to reach out to our neighbours to offer support.

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It was reported that winds of up to 330 kilometres left no house unscathed, and most lost everything, their roofs, their belongings, and in many cases, their entire homes. Lives were lost and the dead included babies and grandmothers.

Dedicated local Shire residents Wendy and Eli Pitt, together with a group of generous volunteer community members have been working tirelessly over the past nine days raising much needed funds and collecting donated goods to be sent to Fiji in support of their recovery.

“We had a very kind offer from the Sheraton.  They donated three pallets worth of linen,” said Mr Pitt.

With the donations pouring in, including non perishable items, first aid and medial supplies, as well as half the shipping costs paid by Seaway Logistics Brisbane, there was the final question; how do we transport the donated goods from the Douglas Shire to the Brisbane docks for transportation to Fiji?

The Pitts advised Newsport that they received a phone call around 7:00pm last night from Michael Craig and Chris Nicholson of Caloundra Removals and Storage who said they would gladly donate their time and transportation to move the goods to Brisbane.

“A massive thanks to Caloundra Removals and Storage,” said Mrs Pitt.

That left one night to pack everything ready for the Caloundra Removals pick up at 11:00am this morning said the Pitts.

“We were packing boxes until about midnight last night with the help of Sienna and Kierra Vew as well as Ella Bennet and Danielle Ward.

“Then this morning we had a team of rugby league players who also helped load the truck,” said Mr Pitt.

With approximately 25 cubic metres of donated goods, a 20 foot container would soon be making its way to Fiji, which is due to arrive in approximately nine days.

“Emosi Tavai the Chief Director and a respected Elder, will be declaring and collecting the container and then evenly distributing the goods amongst those most effected,” said Mrs Pitt.

There has also been many generous donations from local businesses which will be auctioned off on their Fiji Cyclone Winston Relief Facebook Page said Mrs Pitt, these include:

• Aquis Fishing Charter for 6 people to the outer reef valued at $1,600
• Salsa Bar & Grill voucher valued at $100
• QT Accommodation and Meal package
• 4 Eyes Optical lens and frames package valued at $400

Their go-fund-me Help Fiji Cyclone Recovery campaign has so far raised $2,860 in just nine days.

There will be local businesses raising funds as well said Mr Pitt, with some community events.

“The Central Hotel will have a gig this Sunday with a sausage sizzle and four bands and all proceeds will be going toward the Fiji Cyclone Winston Relief Fund,” said Mr Pitt.

Also Mossman Rugby League Club will be holding a pre-season game on 12th March at the Mossman Sharks oval and all process will go towards the Fiji Cyclone Winston Relief Fund.

“We would just like to thank everyone, also the small business coming on board with donated prizes for our auction.  Also those that helped sorting and packing and for everyone being there to support us,” said Mrs Pitt.