Australian charity Soap Aid, whereby discarded soap bars in hotels are reprocessed and donated to third world countries, has sent 50,000 bars to Fiji to assist victims of TC Winston.
Speaking exclusively to HM, Soap Aid’s Founder and CEO, Michael Matulick, said it was hygiene was essential for those currently homeless as a result of the Category 5 storm that devastated Fiji last week.
“Thanks to our growing number of hotel partners throughout the region we have been able to respond in 24 hours with our commitment to assist the disaster relief effort in Fiji,” he said.
“Over 5 tonnes (50,000 bars) of our Soap Aid soap were packed and provided to our aid partners to ensure this life saving soap is distributed to the families and children in critical need.
“As we have seen with past natural disasters, more recently in Thailand and Japan, sickness and death has continued well after the tragic event due to the lack of hygiene and sanitation in those areas which have been hardest hit.
“This soap will dramatically improve hygiene within those communities we are targeting in Fiji, allowing them to rebuild their homes and their lives sooner,” he said.
Matulick said the best way others could directly assist was to donate via the Soap Aid website at: www.SoapAid.org