Today, the Chair of the Ha’apaiveu Relief Committee, Hon. Sangster Saulala has presented to the Honourable Prime Minister, Lord Tu’ivakano the contribution of the Committee to the Cyclone Ian Relief Fund – a total of cash and in-kind donation of TOP $93,220.85 of which TOP $32,220.85 of the funds being deposited to the Cyclone Ian Relief Account.
The Chair of the Committee, Hon. Sangster Saulala said, “With this contribution, we (the Committee) sincerely hope it can help in some ways to ease the suffering of the people of Ha’apai.”
“Our effort is ongoing and we will be presenting more assistance later on,” said the Hon. Minister.
The Committee have conducted various activities since January 17, collecting cash/cheques and in-kind donations amounting to TOP$70,000.
“It was heart-warming to see the outpour of support from people,” added the Hon. Chair of the Committee.
Activities to raise funds ranged from walk-ins donations to radiothon and charity rugby games. Details of the presentation included:
· TOP $32,220.85 – in the Westpac Cyclone Relief Account established by Ministry of Finance
· Other donations were made from the Office Equipment (School kits worth TOP $25,000);
· Water bottles by Emerald Hotel (worth TOP $25,000);
· Food items by Tui Uata (worth TOP $10,000);
· Food items by Saia Moehau (worth TOP $10,000);
The Ha’apaiveu Relief Committee is a committee of public and private sector people coming together to raise fund to help Ha’apai after Cyclone Ian with the Hon. Salote Lupepau’u as patronage.
Other members are comprised of the Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries as Chair (Hon. Sangster Saulala); Minister for Public Enterprises (Hon. Fe’ao Vakata), Solicitor General (‘Aminiasi Kefu); Director of Public Enterprises (Siaosi Sovaleni) including local businessmen (Timote Katoanga, Saia Moehau, Kisione Tupou, Tuivaita Ueleni, Tui Uata and Saia Moehau) and renowned partners from the private sectors as well as ‘Epeli Taione as Vice-Chair.
