Over $170,000 were raised through the 2025 Cure Kids Fiji500 for the Fiji Oxygen Project, and funds will go directly towards ensuring that hospital grade oxygen is accessible in health centres and hospitals across Fiji.
This means more children and adults will have a fighting chance at life.
From August 8th to 11th, 23 dedicated riders from Australia and New Zealand cycled 500 kilometres around Viti Levu, pushing through challenging terrain and weather, all to improve health outcomes for children in Fiji.
Cure Kids Fiji Country Manager, Dr. Jimaima Kailawadoko-Matanaicake praised the riders for surpassing their fundraising goal.
She says these individuals are true legends and their commitment and sacrifice have not only exceeded their target of $150,000 but will also transform lives by improving access to oxygen across Fiji.
She adds they are incredibly proud of their achievements.
Dr. Jimaima also shared the heartfelt impact of the riders’ efforts and says that it warms their hearts as Fijians to see such amazing individuals take time out of their busy schedules to come here, ride alongside them, and raise funds for the Fiji Oxygen Programme.
She says their compassion and determination remind us of the power of community and shared humanity.
Cure Kids Board Member Reuben Tucker, who led the team during the 4-day cycling event, says the team could not be happier with the results as they set themselves a goal of reaching $150,000 and have now exceeded last year’s record of $170,000.
He says the team has been blown away by the support they have all received for the Cure Kids Fiji500.
Tucker says, despite the challenging environment for fundraising this year, there has been a massive level of support for the ride and the Oxygen Project with a great mix of new and repeat sponsors.
The Board member also shared that a highlight for most riders was the incredible support they received the whole way around the island from local communities, particularly as they passed schools and people on the side of the road.
He adds they included a few stops at health facilities to see working equipment from the Oxygen Project, and for their 15 first-time riders, this was an opportunity to see first hand the work of the Project.
Tucker says the ride is as much about raising awareness for the Oxygen Project as it is about fundraising, so the opportunity to see what the fundraising can do is really important.
He adds that another highlight was riding alongside around 20 local cyclists on the day the team set off from Suva.
He says it was great to have their support, and for most of the riders, this was more than a charity bike ride; it was a chance to do something they love with a great team of people for a cause we all believe in.
He adds that many of the riders have already said that they are coming back in 2026.
The Fiji Oxygen Programme, delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Health, plays a critical role in ensuring reliable oxygen access – one of the most essential treatments for children with severe respiratory illnesses, newborns in distress, and patients with critical conditions.
Cure Kids Fiji extends sincere thanks to its sponsors - Mastercard, Fletcher Higgins, Kitchen Mania, Accor, Fiji Water Foundation, and Modus Living, its supporters, and the communities who came out in numbers to wave, cheer, and encourage the riders along the 500km journey.
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