Tukz flies the flag for Fiji
BY ALEX TIGANI
Singleton’s newest sporting identity ‘Tukz’ has been on an inspiring mission this month.
The Singleton Army Rugby Club and Singleton Greyhounds’ first year recruit has put the call out in his local community to gather a box of clothes to send to his village back in Fiji.
Born Vuniani Madu Uluiviti, the rugby talent was born in Nairai (a village in Lomaiviti) and
arrived in Singleton in January as part of the Pacific Labour Scheme.
While he and his partner recently endured the Singleton lockdown, his family in Fiji have been in lockdown since May this year.
“We speak to Tukz’ family almost daily and they are struggling with the loss of work and loss of income,” his partner Claire Truin explained.
“As of this my partner Claire and I discussed sending a box of clothes back to my family to assist them during these hard times,” he added.
An initial social media post was published to friends and family to see if anyone had any items they were able to donate or sell for the cause.
The couple was immediately inundated with responses both locally and from interstate.
“This went far beyond what we expected and as a result of this we are able to assist more then just my family,” Tukz declared.
“We can now provide items for my family’s neighbours and others amongst the village of approx. 200 people.
“We expected to send one box but with the amount we have received we will be needing to send almost 5-6.
“I would like to thank those people who have reached out and donated items to us it is really appreciated.
“I would also like to thank the Singleton Army Rugby Club who are kindly contributing to the cost of freight for a box and also Electel (in Traralgon, Victoria) who have sent items and are also contributing to the cost of freight.”
If anyone would like to donate either items or contribute to freight, please feel free to reach out.
Email truinclaire@gmail.com