Driver offers free transport for those offering kind deeds
She calls it labour of love. Lucy Turaga, 43, is a taxi driver and has decided to offer transportation in exchange for kind deeds from people who need to travel but do not have the cash.
Ms Turaga lives by the simple philosophy to love and respect everyone. And when people started putting up things on the Barter for Better Fiji page on Facebook, she decided to give back a little.
On Wednesday, she provided transportation for the pick-up of goods destined for
Matuku in Lau. The items were being collected as part of donations for the island.
In exchange, she has been offered a full body massage, as the people gathering the donations could spare only that.
“I am an average person and also struggling. So, I know how people are feeling. You can say that I am doing this out of love,” she said.
“My rule is simple, I will help you if you are in need and I will barter for that service.”
Ms Turaga is a single mother and has been driving a taxi for over a year now. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected her earnings as well.
But, even prior to this, life as a woman taxi driver was a challenge because some of her male counterparts have been rather aggressive towards her. This Raiwai girl is tough and has not let words keep her down However, she has easily built a customer base. Ms Turaga said she was more trusted to transport women and children. Her daily struggles to make a living continues, but even then she is willing to barter her services to those who really need it.
Ms Turaga said the creators of the Barter for Better Fiji page had something wonderful.