There were early Christmas presents for Mapuifagalele Home for the Aged and the Sisters of the Carmelite Monastery through a $55,000 donation presented on Tuesday.

The donation was by the 4SJC88 Ma Uso, Kaakia Mai club, Pacific Ezy Money Transfer, and Moana Rentals and this will be the fourth year they donated to the two organisations.

Of the total amount, $25,000 was for Mapuifagalele, another $25,000 for the Carmelite sisters in Vailima, and the $5,000 was divided between  the Carmelite nuns, Royal Oak in New Zealand. More fundraising is to be conducted to add to the $5,000 for New Zealand Carmelite Nuns.

Sister Malia Aloisina, the head nun at Mapuifagalele told this newspaper that Christmas will look bright as ever this year again.

"We're just really grateful to these kind Samaritans, our sisters and brothers here and overseas who have donated this great amount which will with no doubt, not go unnoticed and greatly assist us with what needs to be done in our line of work," she said.

"We pray that God continues to bless them for their kindness and we will try our best to put this kind gesture to good use mainly for looking after the elderly but also for maintenance."

According to Sister Aloisina, the $25,000 will be used for several necessary needs of the Home for the Aged but they will prioritise the tiles of the home which are needed for the safety of the residents, as well as food for the residents.

Last Saturday, the 4SJC88 Ma Uso and the Kaakia Mai Club organised a concert in Otara to raise funds.

The 4SJC88 Ma Uso is the New Zealand chapter of the class of 1988 at Saint Joseph's College and the president is Faimalo Allan Stowers. The president of the Samoan chapter is Tuatagaloa Aumua Ming Leung Wai.

Four years ago when the annual donation program started, only $6,000 was donated, in 2021, the donation increased to $20,000 and $50,000 last year. This year, it has increased once again.