Fourteen vulnerable families around Upolu were the recipients of much needed food supplies and monetary gifts ahead of this year’s White Sunday celebrations.

The heartwarming gesture was made possible courtesy of a donation led by the staff of local company, Betham Brothers Enterprises (B.B.E.).

The families were identified by the staff of B.B.E and earlier this week the staff distributed them to 14 families in one day. 

Each family received $500 cash and food worth $500 bringing the total donation costs $14,000.

A representative from B.B.E. Tina Betham-Pita said that they reached out to 14 families and each family received food supplies and gifts to make this Sunday extra special.

The annual charity for this year's White Sunday is specifically for families-in-need.

“It’s good to be blessed, but it is better to be a blessing,” she said. 

For this year, all permanent staff of B.B.E. of 42 put their heads and hearts together to seek sponsorship for their annual community outreach.

The company hosted a three-hour shake-a-thon, basically three hours of non-stop culture x and it generated an overflow of support. The money raised was able to provide blessings for 14 families.

Ms. Betham-Pita thanked all their families and friends for their generous support, saying: “We pray God will bless the hands that have given.

“We also thank Talalelei and her team Alna and Phillip for the non-stop tempo," she added. “This year, Betham Brothers took a page out of Samoa Observer’s own efforts to bring awareness to the village voices often overlooked.”

She added that their staff members identified families they came across while on their way to work and while on the road for work.

“The team from B.B.E. was overwhelmed with all the prayers and blessings spoken over them – but all praise, all glory goes to our almighty God for the wisdom that guided us to these families," she said.

“A heartfelt Happy White Sunday to each and every one of them and we hope more people will take a page out of the Samoa Observer’s beautiful initiative."

The company relayed that the donation was made possible with the money raised during the companies’ fundraising event (SHOCK-A-THON) with the help of sponsors from staff families and friends and various individuals. 

“We thank first and foremost to our Heavenly Father for his blessings as this would not be possible without him.

“Special thanks to families and friends for the love and support as was mentioned earlier that this was for a good cause.”

Local company, B.B.E. has been helping vulnerable families annually for more than five years.