Foundation Provides Relief Support to ‘Eua, Tonga

Heilala Vanilla Foundation Provides Relief Support to ‘Eua, Tonga

In response to the devastating impact of Cyclone Gita, New Zealand based vanilla brand Heilala Vanilla has announced it will provide aid to badly affected farming communities on the island of ‘Eua.

Heilala Vanilla partners with vanilla growers throughout Tonga, including the island of ‘Eua. The company was established in 2002 by a New Zealand family - in partnership with a local family in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga - as an aid project following Cyclone Waka. Since its inception, Heilala Vanilla has had a significant positive impact on the Tongan economy, providing employment and infrastructure across a number of communities.

The company has seen the hardship that these disasters cause and is working tirelessly to help those affected by Cyclone Gita, to get back on their feet as soon as possible.

The category four storm that devastated the main island of Tongatapu and the neighbouring island of ‘Eua has left some villages completely destroyed, with limited access to food and water. ‘Eua is a community that Heilala Vanilla has a strong presence in, with vanilla plantations and partner growers spread across the island.

Heilala Vanilla CEO and Co-Founder Jennifer Boggiss has spoken with both the Heilala Vanilla team in ‘Eua and her father John Ross (who is currently in Tonga) and received reports of wide spread devastation to crops and buildings on ‘Eua, with an immediate need for non-perishable food, as well as machinery to help clear the fallen trees and debris.

“We have been personally touched by this disaster, as ‘Eua is home to over 40 vanilla growers. These communities are already vulnerable with limited resources to overcome natural disasters. We remain loyal to Tonga and will do whatever is required to support our team and community there," Boggiss says.

'Eua has a population of about 5,000 people and approximately 800 households divided between 13 villages.

Heilala Vanilla has set up a donation page on its website to assist with the relief efforts. Every dollar of the funds donated will go directly to the people in need on ‘Eua. The company will cover all administrative and associated costs required for the foundation to carry out its work.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Heilala Vanilla customers and suppliers in supporting our relief efforts over the last few days,” says Boggiss.

The foundation has received donations of goods and services from some incredibly generous New Zealand businesses incuding:
• 1,000 long life milk bottles – Lewis Road Creamery
• A selection of biscuits – The Griffin's Food Company
• Chainsaw petrol and oil packs – Stihl Shop
• Dart board and darts - Puma Darts

The donations and support will allow Heilala Vanilla to provide the following assistance directly to the villages on ‘Eua;

• Non-perishable food supplies
• More than 20 chainsaws to clear cyclone debris
• Building materials to repair damaged and destroyed homes
• Clothing and disposable nappies for infants and children
• A second shipment of supplies will be sent to ‘Eua High School in March
The requirement for this relief is immediate and there’s limited air freight to Tonga available. Heilala Vanilla is seeking the support of Air New Zealand and the New Zealand Government to expedite the initial shipment.

People wishing to support the Heilala Vanilla Foundation in helping the victims of Cyclone Gita can donate at https://goo.gl/9nt134

About the Heilala Vanilla Foundation
Award-winning Heilala Vanilla launched the Heilala Vanilla Foundation in 2013 to build on its already strong ties in Tonga.

The partnership between Heilala Vanilla and the people of Vava’u started as an aid project 10 years ago, helping to rebuild after a cyclone. This initial act of kindness by Heilala Vanilla founder John Ross, led to the founding of Heilala Vanilla.

Establishing the foundation demonstrates that Heilala Vanilla’s commitment to the people of Vava’u extends beyond the vanilla plantation.

Heilala Vanilla was established on the principles of fair trade and to support the livelihoods of the people of Tonga who are an integral part of the business. The islands of Vava’u and ‘Eua are remote, without access to many resources and equipment, and the Heilala Vanilla Foundation offers practical solutions for local communities.

ENDS

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