Plans to celebrate 100 years of the Marist Brothers Old Pupils in Samoa got underway with the launch of their $100-a-Marist project on Wednesday evening. 

The goal of the project is to collect SAT$1 million according to the Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association (MBOPA) executive during the official launching of their fundraiser. 

President Tuatagaloa Aumua Ming Leung Wai said their executive committee thought it apt to start their 100th Anniversary of MBOPA activities with the $100-A-Marist project. 

“The halls for both Marist Brothers Primary School in town and St Joseph’s College at Alafua need to be renovated,” he said. “Renovated halls will benefit our students.

"We will also look at hiring them out for functions, as well as for families to use during their reunions or camps during school holidays. We aim to raise $1m for this project, God willing.” 

The official launching of the $100-A-MARIST took place at the MBOPA Taula Lounge at St Joseph’s College on Wednesday evening with dozens of members there to witness.

Tuatagaloa said the MBOPA thought it important to kick off with an event in order to build momentum to the big day next year.

“Rather than wait for next year, we thought we needed a stimulus event to build up the hype and moment leading to next year’s celebration. We also need money to renovate the halls of our two schools, Marist Mulivai and Saint Joseph’s College.

“There are five points I want to highlight about Marist. Firstly, Marist puts God first, secondly Marist plans in advance, thirdly Marist always has plans, fourthly Marist shares ideas, and lastly, the Marist spirit is strong and practiced.

“I am not saying these things to boast, but as a reminder for us, that this is how we should continue with everything that we do whether here at Marist, at home, or at work.” 

The dates of the association’s centennial celebrations have been finalised and will take place from 29 July to 4 August 2024. 

Their week-long celebration will include a mass to honour their part in putting God first, a march through town, a special awards ceremony for their members who have served their country and association well, community projects, activities with their schools, music festivals, fundraisers and sports events.

Meanwhile, to kickstart the $100-A-MARIST fundraiser, Tuiaopo Andrew Ah Liki became the first Marist Old Boy to hand over $500 to the MBOPA President, Tuatagaloa on Wednesday.

When the call went out for former students of Marist Brothers’ schools to contribute at least $100 towards the $100-A-MARIST fundraiser, Tuiaopo was the first to respond, saying, “I love my school, and I hope my initial contribution will get the ball rolling!”

The $100-A-Marist was an idea that President Tuatagaloa got from Tuiaopo when discussing fundraising ideas. A similar concept also came from Taimalie Charlie Ah Liki during the recently completed Marist raffle.