A FIJI-born businesswoman living in Auckland has sought to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas by giving back to the elderly citizens in the land of her birth.
Doreen Singh of Otahu might be miles and seas away, but she made sure that her donations arrived in time for Christmas for the 35 elderly people staying at the Golden Age Home in Natabua, Lautoka.
She hoped her donations would put smiles on the faces of the Home's residents, many of whom have been forgotten by their families.
Her cousin, Dennis Singh, donated the items on her behalf.
Ms Singh is a former student of Saint Thomas Primary and Saint Thomas High School.
She said she believes Christmas is a time for giving and that was the reason she spent $1200 to buy items for the home.
Among the items she donated were adult diapers, rubber bedsheets, sugar, potatoes, milk, Christmas cakes, oil, shampoo and special medical items.
"This is the festive season but the true meaning of Christmas is that it is the time of giving," said Ms Singh.
"It is an opportune time to donate to the elderly at the Golden Age Home.
Ms Singh said she intends to continue this tradition of giving to the less fortunate.
"I'm proud of my country of birth and I hope to contribute much more during Easter," she said.
She said her donation was possible because of help from her 21-year-old son, Leighton, whose dreams of becoming a pilot have been fulfilled.
Her brother said his nephew Leighton was keen to continue his mum's tradition in trying to help the less fortunate, especially in Fiji.
The Home's superintendent Mamao Fatiaki said the residents were very grateful to Ms Singh for her kind donation during this festive season.