Fiona Unity Foundation: Fueling Hope in East Lombok

Fiona Unity Foundation: Fueling Hope in East Lombok

Feb 04, 2026

Imagine a young woman named Keteq, living in a remote village in East Lombok, facing life with cerebral palsy and cared for by her brother, a humble fisherman. This is where the Fiona Unity Foundation steps in, demonstrating how charity partnerships can create tangible, life-changing impacts beyond mere sympathy. The story that unfolds is one of generosity, resilience, and community-driven support that reaches the most needy, underscoring the power of bold partnerships.



Charity Partnerships Real Impact: Beyond Sympathy


The Fiona Unity Foundation stands as a beacon of hope in Indonesia, proving that charity partnerships can create real, lasting change. Founded in 2014 by Australian expat Fiona Forrest, the Foundation was inspired by a simple yet powerful idea: that true charity is about direct action, not just symbolic gestures. As Fiona herself says,


"True charity is measured not in gestures but in immediate impact."


Inspired Beginnings: From Bali to Lombok


The journey began at the Elisama Orphanage in Bali, where Fiona witnessed firsthand the urgent needs of vulnerable children. The Foundation’s first projects focused on essentials—like building security fencing and drilling water bores—to create a safe and healthy environment for 96 children. This hands-on approach to children education support and infrastructure laid the groundwork for the Foundation’s mission: to deliver direct aid quickly and efficiently, wherever it’s needed most.


Direct Aid Delivery: Prioritizing Urgent Needs


Unlike many organizations that focus on symbolic acts, the Fiona Unity Foundation prioritizes immediate, practical help. Their model of direct aid delivery means that donations go straight to those in need, without unnecessary delays or overhead. This approach is especially vital in remote areas like East Lombok, where vulnerable families often struggle to access basic necessities.


A recent example of this impact can be seen in Telone Hamlet, Sekaroh Village, where the Foundation visited Keteq, a 23-year-old orphan living with cerebral palsy. Cared for by her older brother, a fisherman, Keteq’s daily life was transformed thanks to a generous donation from Paul Cibiras of Australia. Through the Foundation’s partnership with Kelly’s Express, essential items—including groceries, a mattress, blankets, clothes, a fan, a TV, and a custom-made chair—were delivered directly to Keteq’s home. This act of kindness did not just offer comfort; it brought dignity and hope to a family in need.


The Power of International Partnerships


The Foundation’s success is built on strong charity partnerships in Indonesia and abroad. Collaborations with organizations and donors in Australia have enabled the delivery of specialized equipment, such as wheelchair donations from Australia, making a life-changing difference for children and adults with disabilities. These partnerships ensure that aid is not only generous but also practical and timely.


  • Established in 2014 to address urgent needs in Indonesia
  • Inspired by the needs of children at Elisama Orphanage, Bali
  • Focus on direct, tangible aid—like food, beds, and medical equipment
  • Partnerships with logistics companies for fast delivery to remote areas


Through its unwavering commitment to real impact, the Fiona Unity Foundation continues to fuel hope and transform lives across East Lombok and beyond.



Supporting Underprivileged Communities in East Lombok


In the heart of East Lombok, the Fiona Unity Foundation continues to shine a light on the lives of those who need it most. Their recent visit to Telone Hamlet, Sekaroh Village, in the Jeruaru District, highlights the foundation’s unwavering commitment to underprivileged communities support and vulnerable children assistance in remote villages Lombok.


Profile in Courage: Keteq’s Story


Keteq, a 23-year-old orphan living with cerebral palsy, is a testament to resilience and hope. Despite her challenges, she is lovingly cared for by her older brother, a fisherman who works tirelessly to provide for their small family. In remote areas like Telone Hamlet, orphan care programs are vital, as families often rely on each other and their communities for support.


The Power of Family and Community Care


In many remote villages in Lombok, families are the backbone of care for vulnerable individuals. Keteq’s brother demonstrates the strength and compassion found within these tight-knit communities. His dedication ensures that Keteq receives the daily care she needs, despite limited resources and challenging circumstances.


Tangible Aid: Meeting Individual Needs


The Fiona Unity Foundation’s approach centers on providing direct aid tailored to individual needs. During their visit, they delivered a range of essential items to Keteq, all made possible by the generosity of Australian donor Paul Cibiras. The donated items included:


  • Groceries for daily nutrition
  • A comfortable mattress and pillow
  • Warm blankets and new clothes
  • A television and fan for comfort and entertainment
  • A custom-made chair designed for Keteq’s needs


These thoughtful gifts have made a profound difference in Keteq’s quality of life, offering her greater comfort, accessibility, and dignity.


Australian Donors: Fueling Hope from Afar


The foundation’s work is amplified by the kindness of international supporters. Paul Cibiras, an Australian donor, played a pivotal role in transforming Keteq’s daily reality. His heartfelt contribution is a reminder that compassion knows no borders. As Paul beautifully expressed:


"A small act of kindness transforms entire worlds." – Paul Cibiras


Impact Beyond One Home


While Keteq’s story is unique, it reflects the broader mission of the Fiona Unity Foundation in East Lombok. By addressing the specific needs of individuals, the foundation creates lasting change in the lives of vulnerable children and families. Their efforts not only provide material comfort but also inspire hope and unity within underprivileged communities across the region.




Boots on Ground Lombok: The Charity Drive 2025


Empowering East Lombok’s Underserved Communities


The Fiona Unity Foundation’s Charity Drive 2025 shines a spotlight on East Lombok’s most underserved areas, where daily challenges are met with resilience and hope. This year, the foundation’s fundraising charity initiatives are focused on delivering direct, hands-on support to families and individuals who need it most. The drive’s mission is clear: to bring immediate relief and long-term hope to vulnerable communities through practical action and strong partnerships.


Strategic Partnerships for Effective Aid Delivery


A key factor in the success of the Charity Drive 2025 is the foundation’s collaboration with Kelly’s Express, the main sponsor for aid logistics. Their expertise ensures that essential supplies travel efficiently from Jakarta to the remote villages of Lombok, overcoming logistical challenges that often hinder community development projects in Indonesia. By working closely with local partners, the foundation guarantees that every donation reaches its intended destination, maximizing the impact of each contribution.


Direct Aid: Food Relief, Medical Support, and Equipment Provision


The heart of the Charity Drive 2025 lies in its commitment to boots-on-ground action. Volunteers and team members travel directly to villages like Telone Hamlet in Sekaroh Village, Jeruaru District, to deliver aid where it is needed most. Recent efforts included supporting Keteq, a 23-year-old orphan with cerebral palsy, who is cared for by her older brother, a local fisherman. Thanks to a generous donation from Paul Cibiras of Australia, Keteq received groceries, a mattress, blankets, clothing, a TV, a fan, and a custom-made chair, greatly improving her comfort and quality of life.


These activities are not limited to individual cases. The drive encompasses:


  • Food relief packages for families facing hardship
  • Medical support and essential health supplies
  • Provision of equipment such as mattresses, fans, and custom chairs for those with special needs


Community Engagement: Australia Day Charity Celebrations


The Charity Drive 2025 goes beyond aid delivery by fostering a sense of community and raising awareness through events like the Australia Day Charity Celebrations. These gatherings bring donors, volunteers, and local residents together, strengthening the bonds that make real change possible. By involving the wider community, the foundation amplifies the impact of its charity partnerships in Indonesia and encourages ongoing support for future initiatives.


"Partnerships fuel hope, turning plans into life-changing reality." – Fiona Forrest


Through a combination of strategic fundraising, logistical expertise, and community engagement, the Fiona Unity Foundation’s Charity Drive 2025 exemplifies how boots-on-ground presence and strong partnerships can transform lives in East Lombok.



Uplifting True Stories: The Heart of Compassion


At the core of the Fiona Unity Foundation’s mission are uplifting true stories that reveal the power of compassion and the impact of collective action. Each story, like that of Keteq in East Lombok, brings to life the foundation’s unwavering commitment to vulnerable children assistance and reminds us that every act of kindness can spark hope in the darkest of places.


Keteq’s Story: A Lesson in Compassion


Keteq, a 23-year-old orphan living with cerebral palsy, resides in Telone Hamlet, Sekaroh Village, Jeruaru District. Despite her challenges, she is lovingly cared for by her older brother, a hardworking fisherman. Their daily life is a testament to resilience and the strength of family bonds. When the Fiona Unity Foundation visited Keteq, they saw firsthand the hardships she faced and the unwavering love that sustained her.


Thanks to the generosity of Paul Cibiras from Australia, Keteq’s life changed in meaningful ways. His donation provided her with groceries, a mattress, blankets, a pillow, clothes, a TV, a fan, and a custom-made chair. These gifts brought comfort and dignity to Keteq’s life, showing how one person’s compassion can create a ripple effect of positivity.


Volunteers: Witnessing the Emotional Impact


For the volunteers of the Fiona Unity Foundation, stories like Keteq’s are more than just moments—they are profound lessons in empathy and humanity. Many volunteers share that their experiences in East Lombok have left a lasting emotional impact, deepening their understanding of what it means to serve. As one volunteer reflected, “Meeting Keteq and her brother reminded me that even small acts of kindness can change lives. Their gratitude and courage inspire me every day.”


Lessons in Empathy and Community Resilience


Personal stories humanize charity work, making the needs of vulnerable children real and urgent. Through Keteq’s journey, the foundation and its supporters learn valuable lessons about empathy and the resilience of communities facing adversity. These stories foster a sense of shared responsibility and motivate others to join in the mission of vulnerable children assistance.


The Power of Individual Contributions


The heart of compassion beats strongest when individuals come together for a common cause. The impact of Paul’s donation proves that every contribution, no matter the size, can transform lives. As Fiona Forrest, the foundation’s founder, beautifully states:


"Every child’s smile is a beacon of hope." – Fiona Forrest


These smiles are the true measure of success for the Fiona Unity Foundation. They remind us that compassion is not just a feeling, but a force that drives sustained support and collective change.



Lessons in Compassion: What Charity Work Teaches Us


Charity is often seen as a simple act of giving, but the real lessons in compassion come from being present, listening, and connecting with those in need. The Fiona Unity Foundation’s recent visit to Keteq, a 23-year-old orphan living with cerebral palsy in the remote Telone Hamlet of East Lombok, is a powerful example of how direct aid delivery and personal involvement can transform lives—both for recipients and those who give.


Direct aid offers immediate, tangible benefits that go beyond symbolic gestures. When the Foundation, supported by the generosity of Australian expat charity donor Paul Cibiras, brought groceries, a mattress, blankets, clothes, a TV, a fan, and a custom-made chair to Keteq, the impact was instant. These gifts didn’t just provide comfort; they brought hope and dignity to a young woman and her devoted brother, who works tirelessly as a fisherman to care for her. In moments like these, the difference between distant donations and hands-on help becomes clear. Direct aid means meeting urgent needs and making a visible, positive change in someone’s daily life.


Visiting remote villages like Telone Hamlet also transforms the perspectives of volunteers and donors. The journey to East Lombok is not just a physical one—it’s a journey of understanding. Being present, seeing the challenges firsthand, and sharing in the lives of people like Keteq and her brother, deepens empathy and commitment. It’s here that the Foundation’s philosophy shines: “Charity is not just giving; it’s connecting hearts and minds.” – Fiona Forrest. These connections are the heart of meaningful charity work, reminding us that compassion is a two-way street.


Donors like Paul Cibiras play a crucial role in fostering meaningful change. Their support is not just financial; it’s a statement of solidarity and belief in a better future. Individual donors often have an outsized impact, especially in small, underserved communities. Their generosity fuels hope and inspires others to join the cause, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond a single act of kindness.
Ultimately, charity is a shared journey. It brings together donors, volunteers, and recipients in a circle of hope and responsibility. The Fiona Unity Foundation’s work in East Lombok shows that when we approach charity as a mutual exchange—where everyone gives and receives in different ways—we build bridges between diverse communities and create lasting change. These are the true lessons in compassion: that every act of kindness, every visit, and every heartfelt donation is a step toward a more connected, caring world.



Remember! For just $200 you can make a life time change to some one in need! If you would like to support the "Fiona Unity Foundation", please contact Fiona +62 813 8361 8535.


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TL;DR: The Fiona Unity Foundation exemplifies how hands-on charity work and strategic partnerships deliver immediate, meaningful aid to underprivileged communities in Indonesia, inspiring broader change.