Recipients of the Foundation’s monetary and/or in-kind donations have included widows through affordable housing, women entrepreneurs, education in underserved communities, health centers in rural parts of Fiji, post-natural disaster rebuilding efforts and organisations that champion inclusion for persons with disabilities. Examples of ongoing recipients of Foundation assistance are:
- Fiji Society for the Blind
- Viseisei Sai Health Center
- Fiji Cancer Society
- Frank Hilton Organisation
- Ramakrishna Mission
Each business in our Group also undertakes corporate social responsibility initiatives. These are aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Here are some highlights:
The Vinod Patel Group (Group) is the product of a Vision birthed over 60 years ago and brought to life through the sheer hard work and dedication of Fijians. Named after our founder Mr Vinod Patel, the Group’s humble beginning started in the enterprising town of Ba in the Fiji Islands.
Vinod Patel, the eldest of 9 children left school at the age of 16 to work so that his earnings could supplement the family’s income. Less than a year later, his younger brother Umakant Patel (Bachubhai) left school and joined the workforce for the same reason. After working at hardware stores in Ba and nearby towns, the brothers thought it was time that they had a business of their own.
In April 1962, the first Vinod Patel store was inaugurated in Ba Town. In 1965, a second branch was opened in Rakiraki. As other siblings joined the business, there was no turning back.
With a firm commitment to honesty, hard work, sustainability, and family values, what started off as Vinod Patel & Company Limited, a circa 200sqm shop in Ba Town retailing building materials, is now a conglomerate employing close to 2,000 team members.
The Group has operations and investments in Fiji, Samoa, Australia and Timor-Leste across 9 retail, distribution, and manufacturing businesses. This includes joint ventures with strategic partners as well as a large property management and development portfolio. In every country we operate in, the Group is committed to being an intentional contributor to inclusion, equity, social empowerment and economic growth.
Pinktober Vinod Patel
Pinktober OGL
Wheelbarrow Race