The 10,000 Toes Campaign in New Caledonia partnered with local non profit Solidarité Presqu’île de Ducos (SPID) on November 9 to deliver a free community health program 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 support locals with food distribution, transportation and educational and cultural support for local schools. Along with other volunteer community support groups, 10,000 Toes was part of a larger effort to restore confidence and social connection within the community.
Seventeen 10,000 Toes volunteers operated an eight station health circuit, offering overall health assessments, nutrition advice and follow-up health 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 New Caledonia Mission associate director of Adventist Health Ministries Ruth Thio. “Some were in good health, others faced more serious conditions, but all showed a genuine interest in taking care of themselves.”
Volunteers also had the opportunity to meet Christian visitors who were unfamiliar with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. According to the team, several expressed interest in the Church’s wholistic approach to wellbeing and community engagement.
Associate director Andree Alexis said, “This event was truly a moment of connection, comfort, and rebuilding—physically, relationally, and spiritually. It confirms that health can be a powerful missionary and social channel, serving unity and hope.”
