Bringing healing to New Caledonia

A free community health program was run in New Caledonia on November 9 in a joint initiative by the Adventist Church’s 10,000 Toes Campaign and local non-profit Solidarité Presqu’île de Ducos (SPID).

The program was held in Kaméré, one of the areas in Noumea hit hardest by the 2024 riots. The neighbourhood experienced significant damage during the civil unrest, including the destruction of the local college and disruptions to transport, employment and community services. SPID was created after the riots began, to assist locals with food distribution, transportation, and to provide educational and cultural support for local schools. Along with other volunteer community support groups, the 10,000 Toes Campaign was part of a larger effort to restore confidence and social connection within the community.

The community health program involved 17 10,000 Toes volunteers, who operated an eight-station circuit, offering overall health assessments, nutrition advice and follow-up counselling to 40 participants.

Organisers said the event was well received by community members. “[They] were touched by the warm welcome, the attentive listening and the professionalism of the volunteers,” said local church leader Ruth Thio. “Some were in good health, others faced more serious conditions, but all showed a genuine interest in taking care of themselves.”