29Mar
Tony and David Philp make a donation to Moon Reef
Yesterday was very rewarding as once again I was inspired by the kindness of strangers. I visited Charles and Wayne at Dive Centre Fiji, who have recently installed two permanent moorings for snorkellers at Moon Reef to stop any anchor damage from boats. Those mooring were very kindly funded by the Australian Government as part of their committment to Development Aid.
In addition, Wayne and his team had engineered and installed a marine beacon at the main entrance to Moon Reef, the beacon was funded by the SEA LIFE London Aquariumand WDCS International. We want to mount a sign on the top of the beacon that has information about the Marine Protected Area (MPA) and the behavioural guidelines for visitors to the reef, which is critical resting habitat for the resident Spinner dolphins. 
During my visit, Charles asked me if I’d found anyone to make the MPA sign for us and I told him that we’d been given an astronomical quote from one Company so far. Charles then very kindly called a friend of his, Tony Philp who owns a fibreglass manufacturing and boat-building business. To my utter surprise, Tony told Charles that as it was for conservation and a good cause, he’d make us something for no charge! After I got over the shock and having thanked Charles profusely, I went straight round to Tony’s factory where he met me, with his Brother David. After we went over the specifications and design, none of which phased Tony in the slightest, he told me we’d have the piece by tomorrow!
So on behalf of South Pacific Projects, WDCS International and the community of Dawasamu in Tailevu, we’d like to say a huge thank you to Tony and David (and Charles!) for your kindness and generousity.
Howard Foster, Suva