The Fiji Rugby Union yesterday gave $84, 271.88 to the Walk On Walk Strong (WOWS) Kids Fiji Foundation.

The FIJI Water Flying Fijians had initiated this charity drive with their cardio challenge on August 28.

The challenge called the “London to Bordeaux” Cardio Challenge took off during the Flying Fijians’ World Cup campaign in France in September.

All the players and staff were requested to accumulate a total of 30 kilometres spread across which is actually the distance travelled from London to the Flying Fijians’ base camp in Bordeaux.

Team manager Viliame Gadolo said this was a great opportunity for the team and players to connect and assist children battling with cancer and their families.

“It was not only a challenge for our corporate social responsibility, it was something the players felt a lot of empathy for especially for children who have to face this (cancer) growing up,” Gadolo said.

“The emphasis on the challenge; made us create that awareness which was carried out during the World Cup.

“More importantly, we wanted to show our children and family our way of giving hope.

“There was huge amount of support not only from within the team but from everywhere.

“This was possible through the support of the public and citizens of Fiji living abroad, FRU partners, Jacks of Fiji, Merchant Finance and especially FIJI Water Foundation for doubling the amount which was collected through donations.”

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj