Renate Rivers
APIA: The Samoa Red Cross Society has reported that more than $55,000 tala in donations has been received so far for the Christchurch Earthquake appeal.
The appeal, which started last Tuesday, is in aid of recovery work currently undertaken by the New Zealand Red Cross in Christchurch where a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit last week. The scale of the devastation only revealed itself in the ensuing days after the quake.
The carnage is overwhelming: buildings, churches and homes toppled; numbers of fatalities nearing 200, and recovery work continuing day and night for the tireless emergency services.
The interim president of the Samoa Red Cross, Faleao Maka Sapolu, said, “We would like to thank the people of Samoa for their generosity. These funds will help the relief and recovery efforts of New Zealand Red Cross as they continue to provide vital support and humanitarian assistance where needed.”
Donations have been received from all over Samoa, with some going the extra mile to help our Pacific neighbours. According to SRCS, the Amituanai family from Lotofaga set up a fundraising station in the village to collect money for the appeal, and the Peace Chapel School donated $1556 tala to the cause. - Savali News/Pacific Media Watch
Pacific Media Watch
