A LOCAL Solomon Islands student studying at the University of South Pacific (USP) in Fiji is now popular there, as he is embarking on a lone journey to raise funds for the victims of the Tropical Cyclone Winston.
TC Winston brought devastation and havoc in Fiji , early this year.
Randy Chite of Western Province is currently walking round Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu to collect money for the TC Winston victims.
He is a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science final year student.
Reports reaching the Solomon Star said that, he aims to collect whatever he can during his walkathon fundraising and then hand it to the Red Cross in Fiji.
He sponsors himself FJD$20 for everyday walk he does. Randy walked almost three quarter of Viti Levu in just 11 days ALONE. He only has breakfast and dinner.
In an interview with the media in Fiji, the lad from Western Province said he is doing the walkathon for the victims of Cyclone Winston.
He said, he is also selling t-shirts in Suva, where the profit will go towards the fundraising to give to the Red Cross.
“I’m a final year environmental science student at the University of the South Pacific and during field trips to a lot of the areas affected by Severe TC Winston, I was always welcomed there,” the 22-year-old shared.
“I, along with other students, was always warmly welcomed and looked after so after Winston, I decided to give something back to people who opened their doors and hearts to us,” he told the media in Fiji.
Solomon Star understands that, after three months since the havoc caused by Winston, the country is still on the rebuilding phase and Randy’s lone fundraising drive is definitely part of the much needed assistance that the victims of TC Winston have wanted.
Randy has been walking for 8 to 11 hours each day and only needs water and collects whatever people can give.
“It’s up to them but for myself for everyday that I walk, I always put twenty dollars on it. So sponsoring myself and challenging myself to complete this walkathon and I give donation by myself,” he told the media in Fiji.
It was also reported that he is determined to complete his journey around Viti Levu by this weekend. Into his 11th day of walk, he’s along the Nabou Pine Stretch already.
As a proud Solomon Islander helping his Melanesian brother and sisters in Fiji, Randy also celebrates the country’s 38th Independence Anniversary around Viti Levu by foot.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
