By James Wilkinson on Fiji’s Coral Coast

The Coral Coast Chapter of the Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association (FIHTA) has helped raise yet another record amount of FJD$67,500 to aid the construction of vital infrastructure to be built at the nearby Sigatoka District Hospital.

The chapter’s annual golf day has helped contribute almost FJD$500,000 to help construct a new FJD$2 million maternity ward, set to officially be opened by Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama on December 16, and this year the funds will be set aside to help construct a new helipad at the hospital.

The Sigatoka District Hospital Charity Golf Day was held at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course last week and the strong turnout from Hoteliers and leading suppliers from across Fiji ensured another large check will be presented to the hospital.

Leading the golf day was Outrigger on the Lagoon General Manager and FIHTA Coral Coast Chapter Chairman Peter Hopgood, who told Spice on camera after the tournament the money raised was part of an ongoing effort to support the region.

In the video, Hopgood also spoke about the success of the hotel’s latest initiative, where the resort is building a traditional meeting hall at Conua School in the Sigatoka Valley.

Hopgood said he anticipated construction would be completed at the end of 2015 and the project involved guests staying at the resort, who were helping build the hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“This community tourism project will enable guests to volunteer their time over one or two days during their holiday to assist the resort’s engineering team with all aspects of the construction phase from basic labour work to more skilled trades,” he said.

“When guests participate in the project, they will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Fiji community by assisting with building this Bure.

Hopgood said the project was a “win, win, win” for all involved.

To view the video, click on the YouTube image at the top of the page.