Tonga relief efforts collect $260k+ in first five days

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In an unofficial report from the "Fesoasoani mo Toga" — Humanitarian Relief Efforts — announced by close of business on Feb.  2, 2022, a total of over $260,000 was collected. In partnership with the Office of Samoan Affairs, the Office of the Governor has led this initiative headquartered at the Su'igaula Beach. All departments, offices, and agencies are supporting the effort by staffing the call center and drop-off sites island-wide.

"We cannot place a monetary value on life or ask anyone to give more than they can, but this amount that we have been able to raise is a testament to our FaaSamoa and our Lotonuu. Our will to give to our neighboring islands during this catastrophic event is the true fabric that brings our society together," remarked Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga. "Although this is a humble donation, we hope that our efforts will help Tonga rebuild and assist the families in need," he said.

ACCOUNTING

On day one, by close of business, donations had reached over $50k; at the end of day two, the number was $61k. On day three, the relief center broke $115k, and day four closed with over $160k.  

The number of donors has reached over 900. Some of the premiere donors to date are Office of the Governor ($15.6k), McDonald's Family Restaurant Tafuna ($20k), Nana's Company (10k), Paramount Builders ($10k), Manumalo Academy ($5.5k), TMO Tautua mo Oe ($3k), and JF Tank Services ($2k).

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, and Speaker of the House Savali Talavou Ale, visited the relief headquarters and presented the Legislature's $10,000 donation. "On behalf of the Fono Legislature, we would like to thank the Lemanu-Talauega Administration for this effort, and we will continue to pray for Tonga as they rebuild and recover."

Most donors are a mixture of private sector businesses, faith-based organizations, executive branch departments, the FONO legislature, non-government organizations, and individuals.

DONATION LOCATIONS

The "Fesoasoani mo Toga" Relief Headquarters has reported that collection efforts will continue until Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, from the hours of 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. Followed by the announcement of total collections and a closing prayer service at 3pm, at the Afioga Tufele Liamatua Tufele Cultural Center, Suigaula Beach, Utulei.

The drop-off sites open on Saturdays will accept clothes, cases of water, and non-perishable goods.

Online donations are accepted through PayPal at [email protected] or by visiting the relief webpage at www.americansamoa.gov.

Additional Drop off locations are as follows:

1          Kruse Store   Leone

2          US Mart         Futiga

3          ACE Hardware         Malaeimi

4          Manu'a Store Malaeimi

5          KS Mart          Tafuna

6          Cost U Less  Tafuna

7          TSM Store    Tafuna

8          Manu'a Store Tafuna

9          Forsgren-Laufou        Nuuuli

10       Lumana‘i Bldg            Fagatogo

11       Main Market   Fagatogo

12       DYWA           Pago Pago

13       Tutuila Store   Leloaloa

14       Fagaitua High Sch.    Fagaitua

15       Fale Tele        Utulei

(Source: Gov’s Office press release)