A group of Catholic Church faithful have stepped in with financial assistance for the Mapuifagalele Home of the Elderly to enable them to continue to care for the residents. 

The group called Ituaiga Sagata Ana Vikariatu Aiga Paia donated SAT$3,000 to the elderly home with Sister Kalameli, Sister Lucy Kallunhgal, and Sister Alosia from the Little Sisters of the Poor receiving the cheque last Wednesday. The group were represented by Sala Vui Seigafolava Ana Ponifasio Ah Him (Taitaifono), Tuailemafua Matalena Godinet (Treasurer) as well as deacons Penina Paulo, and Mareta Tamiano at the presentation.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Sala said their donation to the elderly home is to show their token of appreciation to the Little Sisters of the Poor nuns as well as the caregivers. 

"Our small donation is to show our appreciation to all the Sisters and caregivers for their endless labour of love in taking care of the elderly or our matua tausi," she said. "Reaching old age is an inevitable part of our lives and it is a phase of life where we feel mostly dependent on others for our basic needs or special medical care.

"Mapuifagalele provides that care to our aging senior citizens round the clock, malo faafetai. We are grateful to Mother Superior and all the Sisters. We pray to God for his continued blessings of Mapuifagalele residents."

The donation by Ituaiga Sagata Ana Vikariatu Aiga Paia was in response to an appeal from their Fa’atama, Father Peniamina Sitagata of the Missionary of Faith, according to Sala. It was directed to the women of Sagata Ana to reach out and extend their work to the Little Sisters of the Poor.

"As they [Little Sisters of the Poor} really need all our assistance so they can perform their duties well in caring for the residents," she said. 

Accepting the donation, Sister Kalameli thanked the group on behalf of the Mapuifagalele Home of the Elderly.

“Thank you and God bless Sagata Ana Vikacriat Aiga Paia. We pray for your Vicariate to continue the good work and for our Lord to replenish what everyone has donated to help us at this time. We look forward to seeing you again soon."

The Mapuifagalele Home of the Elderly was first established by the Little Sisters of the Poor in Vailele in April 1975 with five men and six women the elderly home's first residents with their numbers gradually increasing over the years.