ROCKY Ali Buksh has not forgotten his roots.
Despite making something of himself and leaving the country for greener pastures, the Raiwaqa-born man continues to give back to the people of his home country.
For the past few years, Mr Buksh has become a patron of the Fiji Crippled Children's Society home on Brown St, providing everything from beddings to groceries for the home.
Mr Buksh, who left for the US in the 1970s, said after making his first contribution, he became stuck to it for life.
"I grew up on the streets of Suva and I have not forgotten what it can be like sometimes. I picked the place closest to me — this is where I came first and I am stuck here now," Mr Buksh said.
"Every time I come down, I donate groceries and just recently they were in need of pillows so I went and got 11.
"I also send clothes from the US for the children here," he said.
Mr Buksh said credit for the gifts should go to his friends in the US — Pravin Lal and Professor Erica Baines.
The home has three permanent residents who are handicapped as well as nine other Hilton Special School students.
Assistant matron Seini Elder said in her past nine years of employment at the home, there was not a single year that Mr Buksh had not given items.
"Every time Mr Buksh comes to Fiji, he gives donations of food and clothes and he also arranges for donations from the US," she said.