I wonder where their children or relatives are ?
This is the question being asked this Father’s Day by Puna Votai who is a caregiver at Golden Age Home in Lautoka.
Votai has been working at Golden Age Home for at least a year and says everyday is a blessing because he celebrates the bond formed with residents who he has grown to accept as fatherly figures.
He says Father’s Day is always emotional at the home because some residents have not seen their children since the day they were brought to the home.
Votai says 26 residents were acknowledged at the celebration today.
He has also thanked the families around Fiji who are taking care of their parents and are respecting them.
Votai’s message this Father’s Day to all Fijians is to keep all the residents in their thoughts and prayers.
There are about 130 residents at the 3 state homes in Suva, Natabua and Labasa.
Samabula has 58 residents, Lautoka has about 44 residents while at least 28 residents are being cared for at the Labasa home.
Though there is not a set day for Father's Day, countries are known to celebrate Father's Day as early as January with Fiji joining Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in celebrating Father's Day today.
The first known celebration of Father's Day was back on June 19th, 1910 in Washington, America by Sonora Dood who thought that it was only fair to acknowledge all fathers.
The United States legitimized the celebrations in 1966.
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