Port Adelaide’s Fijian-born players are leading an appeal giving supporters the opportunity to help the people in their flood-ravaged homeland.
David Rodan and Alipate Carlile are asking people to give what they can - money or other donations - to help thousands of people who have been hit by torrential rain which has been catastrophic in many towns.
Both Rodan and Carlile - who were very young when their parents migrated to Australia - still have family members in Fiji. While their relatives are unaffected by the flooding, the players are concerned for those who have been hit so hard.
The western side of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu is worst hit, with at least five people losing their lives and up to 8000 forced from their devastated homes.
Carlile said the flooding would be a massive setback to the Fijian people who will take years to recover.
“Many people don’t realise that Fiji is a third world country and this is just a massive step backwards,” Carlile told PortAdelaideFC.com.au
“It’s not like a developed country where this sort of flooding goes away pretty quickly. The water will just hang around and keep people out of their homes and make their land useless. They will just have to wait it out.
“Fiji just doesn’t have the infrastructure to cope with this kind of flooding. It’s the last thing these people need.”
Carlile - together with Rodan and his wife Carla - are urging Port Adelaide supporters to donate what they can.
Rodan is an ambassador for the organisation Pacific Smiles which is running an appeal for financial donations.
To donate, visit pacificsmiles.org or deposit your contribution at any NAB bank branch into account name Pacific Smiles, BSB 084-134 account number 1968 26 487
Alternatively, you can deliver essential items - especially blankets, pre-loved clothing (especially for children), toiletries, baby food, nappies or non-perishable food - to the Port Adelaide Football Club in Queen Street, Alberton between 9am and 5pm.
Adelaide-based family company Ability Removals has kindly offered to transport donations from to Melbourne where Air Pacific will arrange delivery to Fiji.
“You don’t have to give much because it will all make a big difference to the people and help them out a lot,” Carlile said.
Rodan - who is also an AFL Multicultural Ambassador - is updating information on his Facebook page which you can access here.
