29 October 2009

The Small Acts Of Kindness But Big In Impact For Tsunami Children.
Source: eventpolynesia.com

While we were getting ready to drive to the most affected locations by the tsunami, on the south eastern side of Upolu, a gentleman by the name of Steve Davies approached us and asked if we could please take a bag of donated bed sheets, toddlers shoes, and clothing from their family and friends in New Zealand and give them to the people affected by the tsunami. We thanked him and took the bag with us.

As we arrived at our base for Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds appeal at Matatufu, we were also handed additional items including clothes, toys, and soft toys that an anonymous family dropped off at our base to be passed on to the tsunami victims and their families.

We then headed into the new settlement of the now inland village of Saleapaga. It was raining and the temperature was dropping an indication of a wet and tough night for the survivors of the tsunami in the bush. The road was very slippery and muddy. As we were driving along, we could see rows of make-shift shelters, tarpaulin shelters, tents, and people working to build a bit more secured shelters for their families. We could see children and their families making do with what little they now have.

If there was anxiety in the new bush settlement, it was hard to see. The survivors are calm in their disposition and determined to start again.

We called the children and their families and they came. We handed out the clothes, the toys, soft toys, toddler’s clothes and bed sheets from the bag that Steve gave us, as well as the toys and clothing items from the anonymous family. We also had a supply of little treats including chocolate bars, muesli bars, and lollies to cheer the children up.

There were smiles on the children and their parents’ faces as they received whatever were given them.

The visit and giving away of the small donated items and little treats caused laughter, activities and commotion among the children. The ‘gifts’ were received with much appreciation and thankful hearts.

Before we left, we asked a group of children to raise their hands if they wish to say thank you to all the kind people who donated to them little gift items, toys and clothing. Eagerly, the children raised their hands.

As I looked at the photo afterwards, I noticed that even the children who did not receive any clothing or toy or treat because we were short of items to give away had their hands firmly up to say ‘Thank You’ ………. (see attachment with photos)

* Steve and Joanne Davies who while on holiday in Samoa brought donations of bed sheets, toddlers’ shoes and clothing from their family and friends in New Zealand, thank you.

* To the anonymous family who dropped off toys and clothing, thank you.

* To Tsunami Samoa 09 Group and all its donors and sponsors, thank you,

* To MedCen Hospital our Samoa partner and TS09 volunteer team at Matatufu, thank you.

* To all the international relief agencies working in Samoa, thank you.

* To the people of Samoa who are helping their country and their families, thank you.

* To the Government of Samoa for their leadership, thank you.

* To the New Zealand, Australian and USA Governments and other nations including neighbouring Pacific Islands for all their help in so many ways, thank you.

* To all those who are donating and helping Samoa in their own special way, thank you.

Your acts of kindness have had a profound positive impact in brightening the lives and lightening the burden of those who have lost so much in the tsunami.

TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS (TS09) Appeal will be sharing many stories of heroism and acts of kindness during and after the tsunami in Samoa. The stories are told by the survivors of the tsunami and volunteer helpers and written by Olo Elise Puni during his visits to the affected locations.

Today four weeks after the tsunami hit Samoa, TS09 is launching its Christmas in Samoa – Children’s Presents & School Stationery Collection appeal.

The appeal is an opportunity for the expression of the heart in free giving and true Chritmas spirit – for the children led by rugby legend and popular former Manu Samoa captain Papaliitele Peter Fatialofa.

Papaliitele flew to Samoa immediately after the tsunami to attend funeral of family members and to help with the relief work.

Papaliitele ‘Fats’ said, “This is our collective commitment to ensure every child affected by the tsunami in Samoa will have a special Christmas this year.”

“We are asking donors to consider school stationery as Christmas presents for the tsunami children to be included in the shoe box packs,” said Papaliitele.

TS09 volunteers will be delivering the Christmas presents to tsunami children at TTM Hospital in Apia and the affected villages starting with Manono Island on Tuesday 1st December, Falealii District Wednesday 2nd December and Aleipata 3rd December.

We welcome all and anyone to support and partner with the ‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ appeal.

ACCOUNT NAME: Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 01-1837-0026899-02
BANK AND BRANCH: ANZ Sylvia Park Branch
SWIFT CODE/NUMBER: ANZBNZ22

ENDS

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