Founded in 2003, Wings of Hope initiatives stemmed from the in-flight Cash for Kids programme developed by our cabin crew. Cash for Kids programme collects unused foreign coins from our guests on board, which in turn becomes part of the funding for Wings of Hope. Other contributions for Wings of Hope comes from Air Pacific and where possible, Air Pacific's employees' contributions. In the past Wings of Hope has contributed to Nadi Hospital, Treasure Home (home for orphaned children) and various school projects.
In January and late March 2012, the Western and Northern Divisions of Fiji were hit by severe flooding, causing significant damage to crops and severely affecting the ability of several Fijian families to send their children to school. Wings of Hope partnered with the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development (FRIEND), and donated $100,000 in April 2012 to help flood-affected and underprivileged children in school so they can continue to learn and grow.
FRIEND has in turn used those funds to help educate over 1500 students in 53 schools across the country.
While FRIEND is the sole beneficiary of Wings of Hope programme so far, there are projects coming up in the near future to undertake more special projects for the children of Fiji.
Air Pacific takes seriously its responsibility to the community, its people and the environment. We are the engine of Fiji's travel and tourism industry, we carry Fiji's exports, and, as one of Fiji's largest employers, we not only provide almost 900 jobs, we are also responsible for the thousands of indirect jobs that exist in our Fijian business partners and suppliers. In short, Fiji's national airline not only provides income for thousands of people, it also helps enhance the quality of life of all Fijians.