Bula Vinaka #TeamFiji, as we continue to fight the #CODVID19 pandemic, we would like to share some realities from those who have been gravely affected. Here are some circumstances and difficulties that are being faced by some of the families we were able to visit on the weekend.

Family 1, as a result of the lockdown, their sole breadwinner is only earning half of her usual income. Welcoming the team, she was emotional when receiving the care package knowing that all they had left was brown flour and had intended to have roti for dinner.

Family 2, relying on selling mats and yaqona for an income, the social distancing protocols have brought earning to a complete stop. Speaking to the team, their father thanked all those who donated, as this act of kindness has allowed them some time to get back on their feet.

Family 3, both parents relied on the tourism industry for work. Since the lockdown, they have been forced to find other means of survival, sometimes having to fish at the mangrove swamps nearby.

Family 4 took in a family from Vatukoula who were unable to return home due to the lockdown. They have resorted to fishing in the mangroves to help supplement them. The head of the family has a humble job and is determined to share what they have with others

Family 5 welcomed a new member of their family earlier this month. Their father works in Nadi and has been unable to attend work because of the lockdown. Sometimes they have to resort to fishing at the nearby mangroves for food.

Family 6, their sole earner, suffered a significant reduction in work hours due to the lockdown. Struggling to make ends meet, their mother was emotional when the care pack arrived, saying that it met them at their moment of need.

Struggling to get by, family 7, moved in with their inlaws after the lockdown as they lost most of their work as private contractors. Relying on the sea and the little they have managed to plant, they were thankful to receive some assistance in these difficult times.

Family 8: Having lost one of their income streams and reduction of work hours, they are trying to make ends meet. Prioritising their rent, the arrival of the care packages was an emotional moment for the famil

Family 9, relying on their son who is the only income earner, are still trying to figure out their next step after he lost his job due to the lockdown in lautoka. Having received assistance, they were able to breathe a short sigh of relief.

Family 10, having lost his job because of the lockdown, their breadwinner currently waits for his FNPF funds to be made available. Being a stroke patient and caring for an aging parent, help could not come soon enough for them.

These families are only a glimpse of the many out there who are struggling at this time. Please, check on your neighbours, your friends and on your family, if they aren't in need then they might know someone who is. The only way we can get through this is together, #VeiNanumi.