Vodafone Samoa has joined efforts to support the Sei Pua Day campaign, which helps raise awareness about cancer.

Sei Pua Day is the yearly collection event for the Samoa Cancer Society (S.C.S.), which, alongside corporate and Government grants, relies on donations to fund its services for cancer patients and education about healthy lifestyles. 

Vodafone Samoa has long been an advocate for the S.C.S. with which it has been in partnership since 2015 (when it was known as Bluesky Samoa), mostly behind the scenes. 

However, this year the company took a different approach and publicised its fundraising efforts. 

Other countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, celebrate the “Daffodil Day” cancer initiative. While Samoa does not have Daffodils, it does have an abundance of plumeria (pua) flowers, from which the event in Samoa gets its name.

Vodafone staff were seen sporting their Sei Puas and masks around the office to show their support. 

The total donated by Vodafone Samoa for this year’s Sei Pua Day amounted to about $6,427 – collected from staff purchasing S.C.S. merchandise and in-kind support provided via advertising, Vodafone merchandise, social media awareness and space to host its street appeal. 

The Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Samoa, Nofoasaefa Satish Sharma, said that they are delighted to be supporting this year’s Sei Pua Day initiative.

“We value the great efforts and community outreaches conducted by the S.C.S. to help raise awareness on this terrible disease; hence we never hesitate to lend a helping hand where possible,” he said.

He added that it’s time for them to step up and rally public support for Samoa Cancer Society and the crucial work they do.

“It is because although we are currently going through a global pandemic with COVID-19 however we must still keep the conversation going about cancer and help raise cancer awareness,” he said. 

There are currently 47 cancer patients registered with the society; eight of them are children. The majority of the adult patients require palliative care. Two adult patients passed away this week alone.

The Society supports them with a dedicated nurse who visits and ensures they are taking their medication, and accompanies them to the hospital when required, as well as helping their families manage their loved one in their condition. 

They also advocate people undertake cancer prevention such as quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol and exercising more, as well as making regular visits to their doctor.