Matava Foundation and Hydroports Dive Centre partner to provide dental care to remote villagers in Kadavu

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS – 28 July 2010 – In June 2010, Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort, through the Matava Foundation, partnered with HydroSports Dive & Travel to bring a Dental Mission from USA to provide dental treatment for the children and people of Kadavu Koro village.

The initial idea was Mark Fischer, owner of HydroSports Dive & Travel in Oregon, USA.

“Returning from a recent Fiji trip I decided to pioneer a Dental Mission. I partnered with Coach Ramey Stroud, a Mill City diver, and Stuart Gow, Director of the Matava Eco-Resort on the island of Kadavu. Together we identified dates for our trip, solicited the cooperation of Air Pacific, the national airline of Fiji, the Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association and the Fiji Ministry of Health. Salem Hospital generously shared information about our trip with their staff.” Mark said.

“This project was an excellent opportunity to achieve long term goals of Matava in regards to assisting the children and people of Kadavu” said Matava Director, Mr Stuart Gow. “It was a natural fit for us, and we have found much common ground in our activities with those of Mark and Hydrosports”.

“Through the Matava Foundation we assist the people of Kadavu in many ways, and concentrate on community assistance .” he continued. “The Matava Foundation is driven by Matava Resort owner’s passion for the Fiji Islands and the communities which live here. The Foundation makes social investments that help the people of Fiji to have fuller lives by sharing the benefits of sustainable development, protecting the natural environment and supporting the local communities in which Matava’s customers, employees, investors and suppliers live”

Mr Fischer continued, “I traveled with Dr. Mike and Mrs. Carrie Litchfield and Dr. Sean Hanson of Salem and Jim and Gina Jepsen from Ione, Oregon. Dave Beard from Tasmania met us at Matava and joined our team. Air Pacific allowed us each to bring an extra 50 pounds of medical gear. Mike and Sean had received hundreds of toothbrushes, toothpaste samples and dental supplies from their suppliers. Mike brought a portable dental station as well.”

“During the week the Dental Mission had the opportunity to serve nearly 200 villagers from Kadavu Koro. Carrie taught 75 children how to brush their teeth. Numerous rotted, damaged and decayed teeth were removed, mostly from adults, a few from children.” continued Mr Gow.

For more information about the resort: Matava