New Zealand appeal raises $3,000

By Diedre Fanene 26 February 2016, 12:00AM

A Market Fundraising appeal in New Zealand has raised $3,000 for victims of the fire at the Savalalo market.

The money was presented by Matamua Lapa Leatio’o on behalf of the Fundraising Committee, to the Chairperson of the Samoa Offering Hope campaign, Adele Kruse, yesterday.

Tuilagi Saipele Esera said they are pleased to be able to help.

 “We have been to flea markets out in Otara, Mangere and other places in New Zealand and we’ve even pulled money out from our own pockets to get the help that we can in order for us to give back to our country especially during this time.

“We collected from people at the market and then our friends and families also helped out.”

Ms. Kruse said she is grateful to the people of Samoa living overseas for their generosity.

 “This is exactly the spirit that we are looking for and that is our own Samoan people working together whether it’s here locally or overseas,” she said.

 “As we have said before whether it’s $1 or $2 or more, every cent is important because when we put it together, it can make a big amount.”

 Today is the last day of the S.O.H Fundraising.

 “We were given 30 days and like anything else, there has to be a start and there has to be an ending,” she said.

“We have accumulated $40,000 tala as of last night (Wednesday) and that would amount to about $130 tala per vendor family that was affected by the fire.”

By Diedre Fanene 26 February 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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