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Generous resort guests raise $23,000 to help keep brave Ravouvou smiling

RELEASE NUMBER 44/16

General Manager Peter Hopgood with Dr. Amrish Krishnan and Chris Hamilton

CORAL COAST, FIJI – More than 120 Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort guests and locals attended a fundraising event at the resort’s Sundowner Bar & Grill Restaurant last Saturday night.

The aim of the event was to raise much-needed funding to pay for critical dialysis care for a 12-year-old local boy, Ravouvou Naviri from Navua who is suffering from chronic kidney failure. His ongoing dialysis treatment is required while a compatible donor is confirmed for a kidney transplant operation.

The guest of honor was Dr. Amrish Krishnan, nephrologist (kidney specialist) from Suva who does pro-bono work with children and is Ravouvou’s doctor.

The event was coordinated by the resort’s food and beverage department under the direction of Executive Assistant Manager Chris Hamilton.

Chris said that he first heard about Ravouvou’s plight on a local radio station. “I have a young son myself and when I heard about Ravouvou’s dire situation and the heartache that his family was facing I thought ‘I have to do something to help.’”

“This young boy’s kidneys are functioning at just 3% and to stay alive he needs dialysis treatment three times a week at a cost of FJD$750 (USD$362) per week,” Chris said.

“I discussed it with my General Manager Peter Hopgood and he said ‘go for it,’” said Chris.

Chris reached out to his regular suppliers who were more than happy to support the cause by donating produce and supplies toward the menu.

The three-hour, $120 per-head event was inclusive of pizza, Pacific grill and Fijian fresh, live-cooking stations, canapés, a Fijian coconut vodka “CocoBar,” a Fiji Rum Co. cocktail tasting station, local beers and international wines.

Live entertainment and a Fijian fire show on the beach created a fitting atmosphere for an event conceived through kindness and compassion.

Thanks to the generosity of the event guests and supporters, many of whom are parents themselves, FJD$10,000 (USD$4,800) was raised on the night. Previously FJD$13,000 (USD$6,270) had been raised through Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort’s extensive network of loyal friends and guests.

Ravouvou’s family will receive the full amount of FJD$23,000 (USD$11,000) to assist with his medical care, their transportation costs and hopefully to sponsor the trip to India for a transplant to occur.

Special thanks and appreciation to major sponsors, Tappoo, Danny’s, Goodman Fielder, Yees Cold Food Storage, Paradise Beverage, Fiji Coconut Vodka and Five Star Food for their generous support.

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, its guests and supporters send their prayers and best wishes to Ravouvou and his family for a happy and healthy outcome.

Click here for a PDF of this release.

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