The Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.) through international and local pledges managed to collect a total of ST$1,057,105.11 to date from its' online fundraising event held from May this year.

According to S.V.S.G., the response was simply humbling from the S.V.S.G. growing family, government, diplomatic corps, development partners and supporters.

“From the board, management, staff, volunteers and the network of S.V.S.G. village representatives, thank you to each and everyone for your contribution towards the sustainability of our support services, for the abused and the most vulnerable members of our community,” Siliniu Lina Chang, S.V.S.G President said.

"In May this year, when the Saving Lives Fundraising was launched, Siliniu appealed to all of S.V.S.G.’s growing family of supporters, to join in the fundraising event. 

“Remember, we are stronger together; and as a Family, we can continue to save lives of the abused and the most vulnerable amongst us."

The Online Fundraising event was to raise funds to keep S.V.S.G's support services going, including the operation of the only shelter facility for victims of gender-based violence at the Campus of Hope.

The fundraising event was held at the Samoa Tourism Authority Fale at Matagi-alalua with the programme broadcasted live on the Jano Production Facebook page, ET Live Facebook page, SVSG Facebook page and the Government of Samoa Radio and TV stations, from 8am until 4pm.

S.V.S.G. Board member Logotauā Palepa Swanney-Solaese gave the welcoming remarks while Rev. Mariota Siaea (Susuga le Alii Sea, Sinoti Apia Sasae) of the Methodist Church led the Event with a prayer.

According to S.V.S.G. Board Member Logotauā Palepa, all funding raised is earmarked for the continuation of S.V.S.G.’s support services, specifically core funding for staff salaries and the operation of the Campus of Hope shelter facility.

“Fa’afetai! Fa’afetai! Fa’afetai le alofa ma le agalelei.”

“Who are we that you give, and give so generously? Your support, your messages of encouragement, and even some of our families from overseas, who flew over specifically for the event, before returning to New Zealand, Australia and the United States, is simply humbling.”

“How about the church and village leaders who walked to the office from May when this fundraising event was launched up to date, with monetary donation towards the cause? Our cup overflows!”

“We also acknowledge with gratitude our New Zealand-based promotional partners Faimalo Allan & Winonah Stowers and the team at PacificEzy and Moana Rentals; the lively co-hosts of Tui Eddie Taualapii and Ronna Lee; the man with the ‘Can Do’ mentality, Iuliano S Leilua of the JANO Production, Fusi Safotulafai, the Police Band for the lively music, the Fire & Emergency Services Authority and the growing SVSG family who have generously given their time, effort and money to support our cause. In time, SVSG will publish the full list of all the donations received towards the Saving Lives Fundraising Campaign.”