When most think of Fiji, they likely envision a tropical oasis in the middle of the south seas with white sand beaches, swaying coconut trees, year-round warm weather, beautiful resorts, and vibrant blue waters.
So, when a member of the Rotary Club of Savusavu (RCSSV), Fiji Islands, Ronni Van Applebaum, who happens to have family in New Braunfels, Texas, and is friends with a member of the Rotary Club of New Braunfels (RCNB), Bill Biggadike, contacted Bill and let him know about the need for wheelchairs in Savusavu, the International Committee of the Rotary Club of New Braunfels, chaired by Norma Blackwell, rolled up their sleeves and took action.
Initially, 17 chairs were requested by RCSSV and the committee’s plan was to simply procure the chairs, have them shipped, and RCSSV would distribute them as needed. However, the committee decided to broaden the scope of the project and reached out to the Rotary Clubs of Canyon Lake and New Braunfels Downtown, requesting additional funds. Each club generously contributed $1,000 each – increasing the budget to $4,400 USD ($9,203 FJD). With the additional funds, a favorable currency exchange rate, and a surprise decrease in the cost of the wheelchairs, the committee was able to purchase 37. Ronnie Van Applebaum handled all the distribution logistics and planning from Savusavu.