The ongoing projects of the Little Sisters of the Poor, including upgrading their laundromat facilities, were given a boost with assistance of $5000 from Samoa Sportslotto Ltd on Friday.

The cheque was presented by the caretaker Minister of Public Enterprises, Lautafi Fio Purcell at his office together with the Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Gambling Control Authority, Tuala Siaki Tuala. 

The Samoa Sportslotto hopes their monetary gift will assist in replacing water tanks and upgrading laundry facilities and retiling the assembly hall, for the benefit of the elderly being cared for by the Little Sisters of the Poor at Mapuifagalele. 

Speaking during the presentation, Lautafi said he hopes next year the Samoa Sportslotto will increase their assistance to the Little Sisters of the Poor. 

He also highlighted the importance of having Government enterprises such as the Gambling Control Authority that generate profit on their own and contribute to the communities, ensuring the money goes back to the people. 

In response, Sister Malia Francis of the Little Sisters of the Poor thanked the Samoa Sportslotto for their kindness saying any amount given to assist in caring for the elderly is well received. 

“We sincerely thank the Lotto Samoa for this assistance, because this is not the first time; they continue to do this every year,” she said. 

“I know there is continuous support from the Lotto Samoa and we thank you for this money.

“If anyone wants to see where the money given goes to, we display our expenses as they are used directly for the benefit of the community and nothing else. Thank you so much and may God bless your Office.

“Samoa e, continue to play the Lotto and play bingo as it continues to assist with caring for the elderly as well as our Sisters and the non-profit organisation.”

According to the Samoa Sportslotto statement, the funding was made possible by the public through their continued patronage of Samoa Sportslotto’s games, such as the Samoa National Lotto, Samoa National TV Bingo and Samoa National Bonus. 

“We thank the public for its continued support which allows us to support Charities such as this, provide educational grants and funding for Sports development in Samoa,” the statement reads.