Our hearts go out to communities once again impacted by a Cyclone in 2020 as TC Yasa swept across Fiji yesterday causing widespread damage, especially to Fiji's north. Cyclone Yasa was the second category 5 cyclone to hit Fijis main population areas this year, after Cyclone Harold that formed in April. Reports Think Pacific have received are of huge destruction across Vanua Levu especially. Whilst it is too early to have a full assessment of the extent of the damage, Save the Children Fiji chief executive Shairana Ali said entire villages have been destroyed. .

Over this festive period, we have decided to launch a Christmas Appeal for any members of Think Pacific Foundation and wider community who wish to direct their well wishes to Fijian communities impacted.

All funds from this appeal shall be donated to the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and local agencies, who Think Pacific know from our own experience in Fiji, are making real difference on the ground. The NDMO focus is upon helping families with immediate needs, enabling the rebuilding of cyclone resilient infrastructure and supporting the well being of children as part of their key humanitarian response.

As ever, the stories we have seen during these challenging times in Fiji are of communities pulling together, families supporting each other and a positive mindset for the future. Fiji never fails to garner admiration for it's people's strength of community spirit and resilience in overcoming adversity.

Thank you for your support and thoughts at this time as we offer our solidarity with our many friends in communities across Fiji.