Repurposed Goods A Lifeline for the Pacific

For decades, Rotary New Zealand World Community Service has been transforming donated goods into life-changing resources for schools, hospitals and vulnerable communities across the Pacific, delivering everything from desks and medical equipment to mobility aids and essential supplies where they’re needed most.

Rotary New Zealand World Community Service (RNZWCS), with the support of Rotary clubs, landlords, suppliers and transport and shipping companies, have for many years been sending repurposed goods to Pacific countries to equip the education and health sectors with goods to assist those in need, particularly those with physical and mental challenges.

Storage containers at Yaldhurst in Christchurch are used to hold the goods until a full 20 or 40ft container is ready to be filled for shipping.

A 20ft container recently arrived in Apia, Samoa, with a 20ft and 40ft currently in transit to Tonga. Trusted partners in Pacific countries receive the goods and ensure that the vulnerable and needy receive them. Often, the containers need to be shipped to outer islands, where the need is greater than on the main island.

A spokesperson for RNZWCS recently travelled to Samoa and Tonga, visiting many schools, hospitals, health centres and institutions for the disabled and was overwhelmed with the reception received. Many head teachers said that without RNZWCS’ support, hundreds of school children would have to sit on the floor for lessons.

The need is ongoing. Cyclones and floods are a common annual occurrence across the Pacific and each time schools are affected, with buildings severely damaged and fittings destroyed beyond repair. Equipment for the disabled is also in short supply and many children and adults have only the floor to sleep on. There is also a high shortage of wheelchairs and other mobility aids, with many going without. A centre for the severely disabled in Tonga has in excess of 130 infants, children and adults in its care and there is generally no government or community support as disability is often a stigma. This can significantly impact the lives of people with disabilities, leading to social isolation, reduced access to opportunities and mental health challenges.

Consumables are also needed including incontinence pads for the disabled. RNZWCS is grateful to those who respond to this particular need and stress that nothing is sent unless specifically requested by the recipient organisations.

The current request list for schools includes:

• School desks and chairs
• Shoes for rugby and other sports (big sizes)
• Sports equipment
• School stationery
• Library books (readers)
• Tablets
• Laptops
• LEGO and other games

For livelihood support, current requests include:

• General tools
• Garden tools
• Fishing rods, lines and sinkers

Requests for women’s and children’s refuge centres include:

• Sewing machines (electric)
• Washing machines
• Microwaves
• Kitchen equipment (pots, pans, cutlery and plates)
• Linen (lightweight blankets, sheets, pillows and pillow slips)

Request for those with disabilities Include:

• Car seats (used in homes for disabled children)
• Physiotherapy beds and mattress
• Walking frames with no wheels only
• Standing frames
• Crutches (forearm on)
• Walking sticks
• Wheelchairs
• Beds (single standard, not hospital beds)
• Mattresses (pressure mattresses only)
• Commodes
• Gym equipment (treadmill, weights and cycle equipment)

Request for infants in hospital or care include:

• Soft toys
• Buggies (push chairs)

RNZWCS welcomes enquires from any organisation or individuals who can assist. Please email info@rnzwcs.org or text 0272 695 615.