The Samoa Victim Support Group received a SAT$5,000 donation this week courtesy of the St. Mary's Old Girls Association from Queensland during their visit to the nation.

The official handing over was held at the S.V.S.G. headquarters in town with a member of the S.M.O.G.A. Agnes Felix handing over the cheque to the  S.V.S.G. Samoa President, Siliniu Lina Chang.

"Thank you S.M.O.G.A. Queensland for helping us be of service to our people in need," Siliniu said.

The donation is to help the S.V.S.G. with its "saving lives work" with the gifting of the funding assistance also coinciding with the non-profit organisation's Online Fundraising Campaign which will go live on 29 July 2023.

The donation comes at the back of an appeal by the S.V.S.G. for financial assistance through their fundraiser event which will strive to raise funding for new staff as well as for the victims of abuse at the Campus of Hope.

The S.V.S.G. is hoping that the support of hundreds of village leaders on Upolu will be able to generate the amount they aim to collect in their fundraiser this year.

The S.V.S.G. Online Fundraising Campaign, which is titled "Saving Lives", has an overall objective to keep its office doors open to serve an increasing number of vulnerable members of the community. It also strives to provide more shelter as well as rehabilitation, education and empowerment programs for abused women and children.

The money raised would also enable the S.V.S.G. to continue to be the voice for the voiceless, support them to bravely tell their stories and seek safety, and raise further community awareness through programs and campaigns on the collective responsibilities for a safer Samoa.

The funds raised would also provide additional resources for the 24-hour helpline and case management service to improve response times for assistance.

The S.V.S.G. has recorded an increase in the number of cases being referred to them. There has also been an increase in the number of children who have been put into the care of the Campus of Hope, the children’s shelter at Tuanaimato. 

There were 72 abused and abandoned children (49 girls and 23 boys, ages 5 months to 19 years old) sheltered at the Campus during May – June 2022; inclusive of four babies (5 – 24 months). For May – June 2023, there were 84 children residents at the Campus of Hope, inclusive of eight babies (newborn to 24 months).