How We Help
Since establishment in 2003, Savusavu Community Foundation (SCF) has obtained donations of more than FJ$320 million (US$140 million) in support of healthcare, education, environmental, disaster relief, cultural preservation and community support for thousands of people in Savusavu, the main city on the island of Vanua Levu, and throughout the entire country of Fiji. We’re pleased that 100% of these donations goes directly to projects benefiting Fiji, as SCF pays no salaries or overhead. Many of these services and projects were non-existent prior to SCF’s involvement. SCF provides all of these services free of charge.
Here’s a partial list of SCF’s accomplishments and projects through 2023
- Since 2003, SCF has obtained donations of FJ$296 million in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and supplies for Fiji’s 220 hospitals and medical facilities, including overnight shipping from the U.S. (FJ$400k), including specific assistance for Savusavu and Labasa Hospitals.
- In 2020-2022, SCF obtained and sent donations of two 40-foot containers of PPE (personal protection equipment), masks, disinfectants and much more in response to the Covid pandemic. Provided 40,000 meals to quarantined families.
- In response to cyclones, SCF has sent emergency medical teams, 180 high-wind resistant tents; rebuilt 250 homes, and repaired ten village community halls, provided materials to homeowners to rebuild, including donations of 250,000 roofing screws and containers of IKEA flat-pack kitchens (cabinets); donated FJ$2.5 million in cyclone relief meds and supplies in immediate response; distributed food and essential needs.
- Purchased more than FJ$120,000 in pharmaceuticals for Savusavu, Nabouwalu and Labasa Hospitals – meds which were not available through normal channels.
- Obtained donations of cancer and other specialty meds, from throughout the world, for specific patients, as requested by FPBS and CWM.
- Held annual clinics: dermatology, orthopedic, women’s health, eye care, prosthetic eye replacement, pediatric, chiropractic, pulmonary, dental and fluoridation, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, supplies, airfares and accommodations (thanks to JMC) for medical team – all at no expense to patients. For example, at the eye clinics, there have been more than 1,000 sight-saving surgeries (e.g., cataract removal) and 8,000+ exams resulting in provision of free prescription eye glasses. SCF now maintains a “bank” of 10,000 pairs of eye glasses, so that everyone in need can be fitted for free.
- Distributed 18,000 toothbrushes and fluorided the teeth of 2,800 children.
- Since village community halls are the center of Fijian culture and life, SCF has built 19 new halls, and renovated, repaired and expanded 14 more, and have built 18 village kitchens, dining areas and lovo sheds.
- Built seven kindergartens, libraries and kindergarten playgrounds; built toilet facilities for schools; provided books and educational equipment; paid USP tuitions for many teachers, donated to school building funds; donated 300 laptop computers, plus Wi-Fi and internet connection to eight schools; paid off portion of school land lease; dorm repairs.
- Built six village water systems and treatment facilities; distributed individual home water filters; donated to village building funds; paid for extension of electric line to village; repaired and replaced bridges; built village toilet blocks.
- Paid for transportation and medical costs for hundreds of patients, including international expenses and surgeries.
- Made hundreds of donations to local clubs, charities, and youth sports leagues.
- Donated over 6,600 Christmas hampers to needy villages of Cakaudrove province, including food supplies, pots and pans, fruit trees, gardening supplies, wheel barrows, machetes, seeds, and sporting goods for the children.
- Refurbished selected wards, bathrooms, operating theater, windows and screening at Savusavu Hospital, including installation of new aircon for the operating theater, built pharmacy storage room and children’s illness management facility.
- Donated laptop computers to hospital staff and Savusavu Health Department.
- Donated food and essential supplies after all cyclones.
- Provided support for reef (coral) preservation and regeneration, giant clam protection and breeding, mangrove planting, reef markers to reduce fishing and boating accidents, trash pick-up, painting of bus shelters and planting flowers to keep Savusavu town beautiful and clean.
- Created Swim Savusavu in partnership with JMC, to train swim instructors, teach children and adults to swim, all to prevent unneeded drowning deaths. Hold two to three weeks of swim classes for hundreds of children every year in partnership with Aqua Pros.
