Thousands of children across the Pacific still lack access to clean, safe drinking water with many falling ill or missing school just to collect it. But a reality TV win is now making a real difference.
ChildFund New Zealand is celebrating the return of Celebrity Treasure Island to TVNZ, following last year’s win by actor and musician JP Foliaki, who donated his $110,000 prize to water projects in the Pacific.
“JP’s win sparked celebrations across the region from Kiribati to the Solomon Islands,” said ChildFund CEO Josie Pagani.
In Temotu Province, Solomon Islands, 99% of households in 18 villages lack reliable access to clean drinking water. JP’s donation is helping to change that.
“Clean water changes everything, kids stay healthy, attend school, and get the chance to thrive,” Pagani said. “Development isn’t always easy, but this has a real impact.”
Later this year, JP will travel to the Solomon Islands to “follow his money” and see how it’s being used. He’ll be joined by Pagani, tropical medicine paediatrician Dr Caroline Hart, and award-winning documentary maker Mike Bhana (Fish of the Day), who will film the journey for an upcoming documentary titled Follow the Money.
ChildFund says it’s a powerful example of how entertainment and generosity can come together to make lasting change.
