Bula!
When people ask if I enjoyed my recent trip to Fiji, I have to smile and say: “It wasn’t exactly a holiday.” While most visitors soak up the sun and sip tropical drinks, I was on a mission that would touch hundreds of lives and establish lasting support for breast cancer survivors.
A Mission 15 Years in the Making
What started as one Australian woman’s vision has become something remarkable. Heather Tait began the Bra Fitting Program 15 years ago, and it has now evolved into a Rotary project called Butterfly Buddies. This transformation means Fijian women will continue benefiting from this essential service long after international volunteers return home.
Nine Days of Purpose
My time in Fiji was packed with meaningful work:
- 270 kilograms of donated mastectomy bras and breast forms shipped to Fiji
- 250 women fitted after breast cancer treatment
- 10 local women trained as certified fitters
- 3 training workshops delivered across different locations
- 60 women fitted by trainees and mentors in just 4 hours
- 25 hotel staff educated about proper bra fitting and breast awareness
- 1 post-surgical bras initiative established at a local hospital
- 2 Rotary clubs visited and 1 hospital partnership established
- 1 interview on Fiji news to raise awareness (watch it on here)
Beyond the Statistics
While these numbers tell an important story, they can’t capture the most meaningful moments – the countless hugs shared, tears of gratitude, and the transformation that happens when a woman receives properly fitted undergarments after breast cancer treatment.
There’s something profoundly moving about watching a woman’s face light up when she feels comfortable and confident again. Breast cancer takes so much from survivors, but restoring dignity through proper-fitting bras and breast forms gives something precious back.
Creating Lasting Change
The most exciting outcome wasn’t just our immediate impact, but the sustainable foundation we built. By training local women as fitters, we’ve created a support network that will serve the community for years to come.
The Butterfly Buddies project represents more than a service – it’s a movement about women supporting women, communities caring for their most vulnerable members, and the ripple effect of compassion extending far beyond what we can measure.
Returning with Purpose
Yes, I managed exactly one pina colada during my stay, and yes, I took five flights to make this happen. But I’m returning to Australia with something more valuable than a tropical tan – I’m energized and excited about the future of this program.
The Bra Fitting Program may have started with one woman’s vision, but it has grown into a testament to what’s possible when compassion meets action. As Butterfly Buddies takes flight in Fiji, countless women will continue benefiting from this life-changing service.
Sometimes the most meaningful journeys aren’t holidays at all – they’re opportunities to make a difference, one person at a time.
To support Butterfly Buddies or make a donation please contact the Facebook page –
Butterfly Buddies Gently loved breast forms, mastectomy and post surgical bras are gratefully received.