CYCLONE Winston's impact on Fiji might have personal significance for Yeppoon's Vanessa Rauluni, but she says the disaster should hit close to home for all of us.

That's why Graham Sheppard from the Yeppoon Golf Club had Vanessa's full support when he approached her and her employer Coal Train with an idea to help Fiji after they were hit by the monster cyclone recently.

But she has decided to go above and beyond, and is asking everyone in the region to don a Fijian shirt on Friday, March 4, and to donate in order to give back to a country in crisis.

"The Yeppoon Golf Club approached (Coal Train) about having a Fijian Friday event, but then we thought, we can do this bigger," Vanessa said.

"Obviously I have a personal connection with Fiji... my husband Jacob is Fijian and we have a strong connection to the region... but it should be close to home for everyone.

"12 months to the day from when Cyclone Marcia hits us...this cyclone hits Fiji... it is still quite raw for people here but it has made us stronger, and now we have the chance to help another community that honestly, has been hit harder."

Vanessa said they are asking local school children to dress in Fijian/Islander clothes and are sponsoring a best dressed event with ice blocks, all for a gold coin donation.

She has approached local businesses to dress up and provide people with the opportunity to make a donation towards this cause, in addition to the charity golf day.

"The response from everyone has been fantastic," Vanessa said.

"Livingstone Shire Council, Yeppoon State School, Extra Newsagencies, Yeppoon Family Practice, JRT, Fleet Industries, NRG, Reid Liquor, The Coffee Clubs, Lure, Koastal Funk, Something Different, Kaboozies, Brian Hooper RE, LJ Hooker and many more are already onboard.

Coal Train is asking all participants to drop their collections at the office before March 8. Vanessa said a report of funds collected and how they are distributed will be made public.

Fiji facts

The damage bill from Cyclone Winston has reached $650 million

More than 45,000 in evacuation centres who are living in 275 centres

Residents in need of clothing, cooking utensils, food

42 people were killed in the storm