Source: eventpolynesia.com

Afuafu is the senior lady and matriarch of Chief Tuilaepa Fua’ava’s family clan at Manono Island. She has never been married in her life and thus her Chief Tuilaepa and clan has the responsibility of caring for her, especially that Afuafu is now crippled in her senior years of life.

Lanu is married into Chief Tuilaepa Fua’ava’s family and has become quite attached to Afuafu. She calls her, ‘matriach and mother’ and Afuafu calls Lanu, her ‘daughter’. Furthermore, Lanu has become one of Afuafu’s primary caregivers.

As the tsunami hit Manono Island, Lanu was already on higher ground with other family members when she realised that Afuafu was still at the maota (chief’s house) at the beachfront.

Lanu did not think twice of the consequences and the risks she faces instead ran towards the rising sea to save her ‘matriarch and mother’. Lanu got to Afuafu and single-handedly lifted her onto the wheelchair and started their run for life towards higher ground.

The waves were around her knees now, but Lanu would not give up, nor turn her back on Afuafu leaving her to the mercy of the sea. She was determined to save her ‘matriarch and ‘mother’, as well as saving herself for the love of her husband and to live to see her young children grow up.

The story of Afuafu Tuilaepa (matriarch and ‘mother’) and Lanu Tuilaepa (‘daughter in law’) reminds me of another story from the ancient world about a mother and daughter in law and their commitment to each other. Their names are Naomi and Ruth.

‘I will not leave you, nor turn back from you ....’ What commitment!

On my return to Auckland, New Zealand I rang Manono Island to see how Afuafu, Lanu and the Tuilaepa clan are doing. Lanu reminded me that Afuafu needs a wheelchair. Her old wheelchair was damaged during their big race with the tsunami waves.

I’m confirmed with other TS09 volunteers to travel to Samoa on the first week of December to help Manu Samoa legend Papaliitele Peter ‘Fats’ Fatialofa, the Samoa Santa, to deliver presents for the tsunami affected children which will include Manono island on Tuesday 1st December. I promised Lanu that we will bring a wheelchair for her ‘mother’ and ‘matriarch’, Afuafu.

This is the second wheelchair that Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds Appeal have purchased, donated and freighted to Manono Island for the disabled and elderly residents on the island, since the tsunami.

We together with Afuafu and Lanu (Naomi and Ruth of Manono Island) wish to say thank you very much to all our donors, friends, families, contributors, partners and readers of TS09 for your ongoing support and donations which have made these assistance and help possible.

CHRISTMAS APPEAL UPDATE:

We wish to thank all those who donated toys, clothes, shoes, school stationery, and money towards the Christmas in Samoa appeal, presents for children in the affected villages by the tsunami. The 40ft container provided and to be shipped for free to Samoa by Auckland based freight company Agility Logistics is currently being loaded with children’s presents.

Our aim is to deliver 2,500 personalised presents for children under 10 years. We also hope to deliver sports equipments to cater for another 2,500 older children.

Perhaps there is another Good Samaritan out there who may wish to donate towards the Christmas in Samoa collection. Here is how you can be part of this special appeal - for the children. You can make a donation to the Christmas in Samoa account.

ACCOUNT NAME: Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 01-1837-0026899-02
BANK AND BRANCH: ANZ Sylvia Park Branch
SWIFT CODE/NUMBER: ANZBNZ22

For toys, school stationery gift donations and collection, please contact Niusila Opa on (027) 3447685. For interested sponsors, please call Jenkins Tesese on (027) 7138332. For donors and volunteers wishing to join TS09 in Samoa to deliver the presents, please contact Sooalo Setu Mua (021) 104-1274.

Photo coverage sponsored by Health Star Pacific "Promoting Pacific People's Health"

Photo 1 - Afuafu Tuilaepa, ‘matriarch and Ruth’ of Manono Island with Dr. Joe Williams.

Photo 2 - Galue Papa, member of Chief Tuilaepa’s clan in front of their damaged dwelling.

Photo 3 - Chief Tuilaepa Fua’ava getting a free medical check up from Dr. Joe Williams.
 
Photo 4 - Damage to Sunset Resort of Leiataua Leota Kigi at Manono Island.

Photo 5 - Papalii Peter ‘Fats’ Fatialofa with Agility Logistic’s Doug Dennett starting the collection.
 

Source: eventpolynesia.com

A few days after the tsunami, a flag made of white cloth mark the place where it was once a family home at Saleapaga village which was completely destroyed by the tsunami. The white flag flutters in the sea breeze to reveal a message written on it. It reads ...‘Need Help: Need H2O Tank / Food; Hammer / Nails; Axe ... etc. Thank U!

Sometime after the flag was raised, a kind Samaritan passing by saw the flag, read the message and responded accordingly. We do not know who the Good Samaritan was? It could have been a visitor, a tourist, a neighbour, a volunteer helper, a fellow tsunami survivor, a government worker, or even an international relief agency?

However, one thing we are sure of. The Good Samaritan read the message which included a request for nails and responded caringly by leaving some nails on a brick near the raised flag. This Good Samaritan gave what he / she or they had, even if it was just a handful of nails (see photo).

We wish to acknowledge the many Good Samaritans who have been involved in providing tsunami relief efforts and the many donors. To our Good Samaritan who donated some nails, fa’afetai tele!

TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS (TS09) Appeal will be sharing many stories of heroism and acts of kindness during and after the tsunami in Samoa. The stories are told by the survivors of the tsunami and volunteer helpers and written by Olo Elise Puni during his visits to the affected locations.

Over the next few days, Papaliitele Peter Fatialofa supported by 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' (TS09) Appeal is collecting Christmas presents for the children affected by the tsunami in Samoa to be delivered 1st - 3rd December. We wish to thank the following sponsors and donors to date:

• Doug Dennett and Agility Logistics for providing 40ft container, cartage, export documentation and freight costs landed into Apia Port free of charge.

• Richard Reed and Pacific Business Trust for the use of their site as the collection centre.

• Steven and New Zealand Energizer for the 400 packs of batteries for torches.

• Warehouse New Zealand (Manukau) for huge discount on battery operated transistor Radios.

• Pulotu Arthur Solomon and Martin Hautus Institute for financial donation.

Perhaps there is another Good Samaritan out there who may wish to donate towards the Christmas in Samoa collection. Here is how you can be part of this special appeal - for the children:

• New Zealand public can donate school stationery and toys including a personal Christmas card.

• For those outside of New Zealand, you can make a donation to the Christmas in Samoa account.

ACCOUNT NAME: Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 01-1837-0026899-02
BANK AND BRANCH: ANZ Sylvia Park Branch
SWIFT CODE/NUMBER: ANZBNZ22

Contact: Mr. Olo Elise Puni (+6427) 2285-004 / (+649) 2722-85004 / Email: [email protected]

Photo coverage sponsored by Health Star Pacific "Promoting Pacific People's Health"

Photo 1 - The handful of nails on a brick donated by a Good Samaritan near the raised flag.

Photo 2 - The flag at Saleapaga requesting nails and survival essentials.

Photo 3 - Flag made of white cloth marks the place that was once a family home at Saleapaga.
 
Photo 4 - Saleapaga village completely destroyed.
 

Source: eventpolynesia.com

Chief Niupopo Lotomau, bed ridden for years and thus has become a cripple and dependent on his family to carry him for mobility. On the day of the tsunami, his family rushed to his aid to carry him to higher ground, but he insisted that the children be saved first.

“Take the children to the higher ground, save the children, they are our future, the future of our family, of our island Manono, of our people and let me meet the tsunami waves and be one with the sea,” were the instructions of a loving and courageous Niupopo Lotomau as he saw the tsunami waves rising fast onto the shores of his island of Manono.

Grace and mercy are always on the side of the brave. The family were able to rescue not only their young and vulnerable children but were also able to come back for their father, grandfather and chief in time to save him.

Chief Niupopo Lotomau of Manono island with a physical disability but has a courageous heart and clear mind to overcome the fear of and the actual ferociousness of the tsunami. When asked by Dr. Joe Williams and members of TS09 how we can support him, his simple response was... “I can do with a wheelchair”.

This Tuesday 3rd November ‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ appeal is sponsoring a ‘medical mission’ led by Dr Mamea Emosi Puni, two nurses and support staff, through MedCen Hospital (our Samoa partner) to travel to Manono island to hand deliver a wheelchair to chief Niupopo Lotomau bought and airfreighted to Samoa. Two members of TS09 from New Zealand are joing this medical mission to Manono to provide free medical consultations and deliver free medicines funded by TS09 through your donations.

‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ appeal will be sharing many stories of heroism and acts of kindness during and after the tsunami in Samoa. The stories are told by the survivors of the tsunami and volunteer helpers and written by Olo Elise Puni during his visits to the affected locations.

This week, rugby legend and former Manu Samoa captain Papaliitele Peter Fatialofa is passionately involved in organising presents for the tsunami affected children. Tuesday 1st December, Papaliitele ‘Fats’ and TS09 will be delivering Christmas presents to Manono Island before Falealili and Aleipata.

We welcome your donation to support with the ‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ appeal. 

ACCOUNT NAME: Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 01-1837-0026899-02
BANK AND BRANCH: ANZ Sylvia Park Branch
SWIFT CODE/NUMBER: ANZBNZ22

Contact: Mr. Olo Elise Puni (+6427) 2285-004 / (+649) 2722-85004 / Email: [email protected]

Photo coverage sponsored by Health Star Pacific "Promoting Pacific People's Health"

Photo 1 - Niupopo Lotomau & Dr Joe Williams (Mt Wellington Accident & Family Healthcare Clinic).

Photo 2 - Dr. Williams providing medical help for the elderly and disabled residents of Manono.

Photo 3 - A family home on Manono Island destroyed by the tsunami waves.
 
Photo 4 - Manono island returning to normality with very little.
 

Source: eventpolynesia.com

While we were getting ready to drive to the most affected locations by the tsunami, on the south eastern side of Upolu, a gentleman by the name of Steve Davies approached us and asked if we could please take a bag of donated bed sheets, toddlers shoes, and clothing from their family and friends in New Zealand and give them to the people affected by the tsunami. We thanked him and took the bag with us.

As we arrived at our base for Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds appeal at Matatufu, we were also handed additional items including clothes, toys, and soft toys that an anonymous family dropped off at our base to be passed on to the tsunami victims and their families.

We then headed into the new settlement of the now inland village of Saleapaga. It was raining and the temperature was dropping an indication of a wet and tough night for the survivors of the tsunami in the bush. The road was very slippery and muddy. As we were driving along, we could see rows of make-shift shelters, tarpaulin shelters, tents, and people working to build a bit more secured shelters for their families. We could see children and their families making do with what little they now have.

If there was anxiety in the new bush settlement, it was hard to see. The survivors are calm in their disposition and determined to start again.

We called the children and their families and they came. We handed out the clothes, the toys, soft toys, toddler’s clothes and bed sheets from the bag that Steve gave us, as well as the toys and clothing items from the anonymous family. We also had a supply of little treats including chocolate bars, muesli bars, and lollies to cheer the children up.

There were smiles on the children and their parents’ faces as they received whatever were given them.

The visit and giving away of the small donated items and little treats caused laughter, activities and commotion among the children. The ‘gifts’ were received with much appreciation and thankful hearts.

Before we left, we asked a group of children to raise their hands if they wish to say thank you to all the kind people who donated to them little gift items, toys and clothing. Eagerly, the children raised their hands.

As I looked at the photo afterwards, I noticed that even the children who did not receive any clothing or toy or treat because we were short of items to give away had their hands firmly up to say ‘Thank You’.
 

• Steve and Joanne Davies who while on holiday in Samoa brought donations of bed sheets, toddlers’ shoes and clothing from their family and friends in New Zealand, thank you.

• To the anonymous family who dropped off toys and clothing, thank you.

• To Tsunami Samoa 09 Group and all its donors and sponsors, thank you,

• To MedCen Hospital our Samoa partner and TS09 volunteer team at Matatufu, thank you.

• To all the international relief agencies working in Samoa, thank you.

• To the people of Samoa who are helping their country and their families, thank you.

• To the Government of Samoa for their leadership, thank you.

• To the New Zealand, Australian and USA Governments and other nations including neighbouring Pacific Islands for all their help in so many ways, thank you.

• To all those who are donating and helping Samoa in their own special way, thank you.

Your acts of kindness have had a profound positive impact in brightening the lives and lightening the burden of those who have lost so much in the tsunami.

'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' (TS09) Appeal will be sharing many stories of heroism and acts of kindness during and after the tsunami in Samoa. The stories are told by the survivors of the tsunami and volunteer helpers and written by Olo Elise Puni during his visits to the affected locations.

Today four weeks after the tsunami hit Samoa, TS09 is launching its Christmas in Samoa - Children’s Presents & School Stationery Collection appeal.

The appeal is an opportunity for the expression of the heart in free giving and true Chritmas spirit - for the children led by rugby legend and popular former Manu Samoa captain Papaliitele Peter Fatialofa.

Papaliitele flew to Samoa immediately after the tsunami to attend funeral of family members and to help with the relief work.

Papaliitele ‘Fats’ said, “This is our collective commitment to ensure every child affected by the tsunami in Samoa will have a special Christmas this year.”

“We are asking donors to consider school stationery as Christmas presents for the tsunami children to be included in the shoe box packs,” said Papaliitele.

TS09 volunteers will be delivering the Christmas presents to tsunami children at TTM Hospital in Apia and the affected villages starting with Manono Island on Tuesday 1st December, Falealii District Wednesday 2nd December and Aleipata 3rd December.

We welcome all and anyone to support and partner with the 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' (TS09) Appeal.

ACCOUNT NAME: Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 01-1837-0026899-02
BANK AND BRANCH: ANZ Sylvia Park Branch
SWIFT CODE/NUMBER: ANZBNZ22

Contact: Mr. Olo Elise Puni (+6427) 2285-004 / (+649) 2722-85004 / Email: [email protected]

Photo coverage sponsored by Health Star Pacific "Promoting Pacific People's Health"

Photo 1 - TS09 members delivering clothes donated by Steve and Joanne Davies to Saleapaga.

Photo 2 - Dr. Joe Williams & Leilua Winston delivering goods from anonymous ‘Good Samaritan’.

Photo 3 - A family of Saleapaga village accepting their situation and getting on with life.
 
Photo 4 - Tsunami children in the Christmas in Samoa ‘appeal’ poster saying thank you.
 

Source: eventpolynesia.com

The church bells broke the early morning promise of a new day on the Island of Manono as the tsunami warning alerted the villagers to run inland to higher grounds.

It became apparent to the primary care givers for Chief Leiataua Unaite, who is a stroke patient at his own home on the island of Manono, that they will not be able to shift Leiataua out of their house and relocate him to higher ground for safety in time. So Leiataua Unaite’s wife and their daughter Sema decided to forego their own safety and to stay by Leiataua’s side, whatever happens to fight the approaching tsunami waves.

Within a few minutes tsunami waves broke through the doors, windows and walls of their house. Both Sema and her mother lifted Leiataua up so that he will not drown. When the waves retreated they fought the waves to keep Leiataua and themselves from being sucked out to sea.

Chief Leiataua Unaite, his devoted wife and loyal daughter all survived the tsunami and the fierce waves. What love! What loyalty! What honour! Even in the face of the killer tsunami waves!

Dr Joe Williams of Auckland and members of TS09 from New Zealand came across Leiataua Unaite when visited Manono Island two weeks after the tsunami. Dr. Williams was able to carry out medical checks for many of the elderly and disable and provide medications. Chief Leiataua Unaite is in real need to see a doctor and to receive medications.

However, his difficulty as a stroke patient like many others with disability on Manono, with transportation via a small boat to Upolu would mean they cannot travel to see a doctor in the main island of Upolu.

Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds appeal and associates are committed to paying for a doctor and nurse from MedCen Hospital to visit Leiataua Unaite on the island of Manono. In addition, Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds appeal will pay for all the medications Leiataua would need at this stage. TS09 is also encouraging Samoa’s Ministry of Health for better medical support for the residents of Manono Island.

'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' (TS09) Appeal will be sharing many stories of heroism and acts of kindness during and after the tsunami in Samoa. The stories are told by the survivors of the tsunami and volunteer helpers and written by Olo Elise Puni during his visits to the affected locations.

We welcome all and anyone to support and partner with the 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' (TS09) Appeal.

ACCOUNT NAME: Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 01-1837-0026899-000
BANK AND BRANCH: ANZ Sylvia Park Branch
SWIFT CODE/NUMBER: ANZBNZ22

Contact: Mr. Olo Elise Puni (+6427) 2285-004 / (+649) 2722-85004 / Email: [email protected]

Photo coverage sponsored by Health Star Pacific "Promoting Pacific People's Health"

Photo 1 - Dr. Joe Williams of Auckland attending to stroke patient Leiataua Unaite.

Photo 2 - Damage to one of the meeting houses at Fale`u, sub village of Manono Island.

Photo 3 - Dr Joe Williams and Leiataua Pese with the damaged single hull boat, Queen Island.
 
Photo 4 - Devastation at Fale’u, Manono.

Photo 5 - Travelling between Manono Island and Upolu via alia (small double hull boats).

Photo 6 - Taupau (skipper) with Dr Joe Williams, Leilua Winston Timaloa and Olo Elise Puni.
 

Source: eventpolynesia.com

Maota Tusipese Faaleolea of the village of Satitoa, Aleipata was told by her uncle who is a teacher at her primary school to ‘Run baby run’. ‘Run inland, run to higher grounds and run for your life.’ ‘Run baby run!’

Maota is in year 1 class at her school. She is 5 years old and a survivor of the tsunami that destroyed her village and claimed many lives in Samoa.

I met Maota at Lalomanu Hospital as she was waiting to receive follow-up care for her left foot with some series cuts. She was snuggling up to her elder sister. She looked assured and confident in the care of her elder sister, Lusi, who is supporting her at the hospital. I do not know what long-term impact the tsunami will have on her but of what I have seen of her, she is a young lady with all the graces of hope and courage.

I pray that as Samoa continues to experience tremors and earthquakes after the tsunami, that God will keep Maota safe and all the survivor children of the tsunami.

Maota ran and won the biggest race of her life. She out-ran and beat the tsunami waves to safety. Maota, ‘run baby run, run for your life’ and she did!

'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' (TS09) Appeal will be sharing many stories of heroism and acts of kindness during and after the tsunami in Samoa. The stories are told by the survivors of the tsunami and volunteer helpers and written by Olo Elise Puni during his visits to the affected locations.

With a grateful heart, I wish to thank all the survivors and volunteer helpers who willingly shared their stories of heroism and acts of kindness in relation to the events of the tsunami that claimed many lives in Samoa.

Equally and as always, I sincerely wish to thank all our donors, friends, supporters and families, who have been giving generously to the 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' (TS09) Appeal.

We welcome all and anyone to support and partner with the 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' (TS09) Appeal.

ACCOUNT NAME: Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 01-1837-0026899-000
BANK AND BRANCH: ANZ Sylvia Park Branch
SWIFT CODE/NUMBER: ANZBNZ22

Soifua,

Olo Elise Puni: CHAIRMAN, TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS (TS09) Appeal

Contact: Mr. Olo Elise Puni (+6427) 2285-004 / (+649) 2722-85004 / Email: [email protected]

Photo coverage sponsored by Health Star Pacific "Promoting Pacific People's Health"

Photo 1 - TS09 Group on arrival in Samoa: Leilua Winston, Dr. Joseph Williams & Olo Elise.

Photo 2 - Dr. Joseph Williams & Leilua Winston assessing damage at Lalomanu village.

Photo 3 - Maota with her sister Lusi waiting to be seen at Lalomanu District Hospital.
 
Photo 4 - Cuts to the sole of Maota's foot.

Photo 5 - Medical personnel at the time of Maota’s visit (Sala, Henrietta, Dr Monique & Fituvalu).

Photo 6 - Life after the devastation left by the tsunami at Maota’s village.
 

Source: eventpolynesia.com

The sound of Samoan music at Otara Shopping Center and Mangere Flea Market is no big deal. However, having Galumalemana Tenari Tautua (Ava Band / Tusitala Band), Pagamalie Iopu (Tiamaa Band), Alo Veta Tiai (Island Eagle Band), Mose Loulanting (Bill Sevesi & His Islanders), Filipou Pinati Williams (Pineula Band), Gaylene Akeli (Fa’atalatala Band) and solo artists Asuao Felise Mikaele, Willie Tavita, Aneseko Falemoe, Savea Al Harrington Lavea, Tuilavasii Tom Aiono, Cindy of Samoa, Aggie Su’a and Toa McCarthy performing the Samoan classics LIVE at the same venue is a rarity.

The two Saturday benefit jam by Samoan musicians and entertainers residing in Auckland have raised $7,000 NZD towards the ‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ (TS09) Appeal.

Filipou Pinati Williams, organizing committee, said, “It’s a great feeling to see the musicians turning up at just a days notice to play Samoan music together to raise money for a good cause. In fact it’s the first time Samoan musicians overseas have come together.”

The first performance at Otara Shopping Center during the flea market hours on Saturday10th October was attended by MP Su’a Viliamu Sio and rugby legend Papaliitele Peter Fatialofa among the hundreds that flocked to be up close to Cindy of Samoa and their favorite musicians.

The following Saturday at Mangere Flea Market featured Samoan Knife Dance by Radio Samoa announcer, Leni Le Mamea and his two children by popular demand; and the Ropati dance troupe.

According to Savea Al Harrington Lavea, “The money raised we hope to direct to something meaningful such as transistor radios for the families affected. Radio is the main communication means for many of these people, alerting them of any future natural disasters.”

“Food, clothes, shelter and medical help have reached those affected. However, many are traumatized by the experience and we believe music can be an important part of the healing process; that’s were the radios will again be very useful,” added Savea.

Representatives of the Samoa Musicians & Entertainers group will be in Samoa on the first week of December to give out radios to families in Manono-Tai, Falealii and Aleipata.

We welcome all and anyone to support and partner with the ‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ (TS09) Appeal.

ACCOUNT NAME: Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 01-1837-0026899-000
BANK AND BRANCH: ANZ Sylvia Park Branch
SWIFT CODE/NUMBER: ANZBNZ22

Contact: Mr. Olo Elise Puni (+6427) 2285-004 / (+649) 2722-85004 / Email: [email protected]

Photo coverage sponsored by Health Star Pacific "Promoting Pacific People's Health"

Photo 1 - Mose Loulanting on lead guitar rasing funds for TS09 Appeal.

Photo 2 - TS09 Chairman with some of the Samoa Musicians & Entertainers (SME) group.

Photo 3 - Pagamalie Iopu (Tiamaa Band) singing “Lau Samoa e matalasi” feat Tenari Tautua.
 
Photo 4 - Papalii Fats, Cindy of Samoa, MP Su’a Viliamu Sio, Edward, Aggie, Teleiai & Taua.

Photo 5 - Samoa Knife Dance trio, radio announcer Leni Le Mamea and his children at Otara.

Photo 6 - TS09 volunteers selling sausages to raise funds at Otara Shopping Centre.
 

Source: eventpolynesia.com

Talofa to Donors, Supporters, Families and Friends of ‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ appeal.

I acknowledge and thank you for your prayers and kind thoughts. I thank you all for your generosity and kind heartedness to date. Thank you for your kind donations. I thank you for sharing in the pain, grief and loss of our Samoa.

I thank you for that while you may be miles away from Samoa, but with your kind donation, we say that you are present in Samoa and part of her grieving heart that is longing for comfort.

Oh Samoa, how will you ever be comforted? You have lost not one but many and still counting. You have lost so many of your precious and loved family members, flesh, blood and soul.

The pain and grief is overwhelming, but we shall not kneel to despair. We shall not be defeated by hopelessness, and helplessness.

We SHALL live courageously one day at a time to carry on the legacy of the fallen victims and family members, of our grandfathers and grandmothers, of our fathers and mothers, of our uncles and aunties, of our brothers and sisters, of our children, of our friends, of our loved ones.

We include our visitors and guests who were tourists but lost their lives in Samoa. They shall no longer be remembered as visitors but shall be remembered forever as members of our Samoan families from abroad but died in a much loved place called Samoa.

We welcome all and anyone to support and partner with us in the ‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ appeal. This appeal will not coerce, nor beg for your giving. This appeal is an opportunity for the expression of the heart in free giving and charity of spirit.

ACCOUNT NAME: Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 01-1837-0026899-000
BANK AND BRANCH: ANZ Sylvia Park Branch
SWIFT CODE/NUMBER: ANZBNZ22

Ia manu teleina ma ia faamaise Ieova i finagalo mafatia ma le loifofoga maligi (We wish you well, and we pray for God to comfort the broken hearts and the grieving tears).

Soifua (Farewell for now and to life)

Olo Elise Puni

CHAIRMAN

Contact: Mr. Olo Elise Puni (+6427) 2285-004 / (+649) 2722-85004 / Email: [email protected]

Photo coverage sponsored by Health Star Pacific "Promoting Pacific People's Health"

Photo 1 - Mourning the lost at the National Memorial Service at Apia Park 8th October 2009.

Photo 2 - School children placing wreaths for each of the 143 confirmed dead; 6 still missing.

Photo 3 - In attendance Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi.
 
Photo 4 - Also taking part are officers from New Zealand involved in the search and find operation.

Photo 5 - One of the ten deceased buried at the Tsunami 2009 plot at Tafaigata Cemetery.

Photo 6 - Tsunami victims the first graves at Tafaigata Cemetery; a monument to be erected later.
 

Source: eventpolynesia.com

Samoa Health Mission (SHM), a group of health volunteers comprising mainly of Samoan nurses from New Zealand and Australia started arriving in Samoa two days after the tsunami hit Samoa.

Of the eleven (11) nurses that have arrived, only two were able to travel across on the New Zealand Air Force Hercules flight taking supply and personnel across to Samoa. Three (3) were funded by 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' and the rest paid their own airfares. 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' has committed to pay for another two (2) volunteer nurses travelling at the end of the week.

Of the initial eleven (11) Samoa Health Mission volunteers, four (4) were designated to the main hospital in Apia. One (1) started straight away in theatre, two (2) in Outpatients, one (1) in Paediatrics, and one (1) in the Tsunami specialist ward. The others have been split to provide the much need relieving cover for the Lalomanu district hospital and the Fusi district hospital now covering for the Poutasi district hospital which was destroyed by the Tsunami.

Pelenatete Stowers, Head of Nursing Division at Ministry of Health, said, “The nursing and workforce capacity provided by the Samoa Health Mission team comes at no better time, especially in relieving local nurses that have not rested since day one.”

In Lalomanu, four nurses have been rostered to work together with the hospital nurses dealing with casualties as well as a mobile clinic to assess and provide treatment to many families in the outer villages. One nurse has been working as part of the outreach team in Fusi and Falealili treating similar injuries that of people in Lalomanu. Patients treated are also very traumatised by the Tsunami and have been telling their stories to Samoa Health Mission volunteers.

The Samoa Health Mission coordination in Auckland New Zealand is calling for supplies for Lalomanu district hospital which has very minimal resources, medication, equipment and materials to treat lacerations, fractures, chest infections, scabies, colds, headaches and muscles aches.

The Samoa Health Mission has again approached 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' to assist with equipments and supplies.

To help the Samoa Health Mission, please make a donation:

ACCOUNT NAME: Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 01-1837-0026899-000
BANK AND BRANCH: ANZ Sylvia Park Branch
SWIFT CODE/NUMBER: ANZBNZ22

Contact: Mr. Olo Elise Puni (+6427) 2285-004 / (+649) 2722-85004 / Email: [email protected]

Photo coverage sponsored by Health Star Pacific "Promoting Pacific People's Health"

Photo 1 - Mr. Puni with Mesepa and Elizabeth, Samoa Health Mission nurses, at Auckland Airport.

Photo 2 - Togiaioatua Vaifagaloa (floral green), SHM team leader at Lalomanu District Hospital.

Photo 3 - New Zealand Air Force transporting those with serious injuries to main hospital.
(Photo Courtesy of New Zealand Defence Force)
 
Photo 4 - The deceased and casualties include New Zealanders holidaying over school holidays.
(Photo Courtesy of New Zealand Defence Force)

Photo 5 - A father watching over his daughter at Motootua Hospital.

Photo 6 - Families preparing loved ones for burial.
 

Source: eventpolynesia.com

The relocation of whole families inland in the worst hit villages of Saleapaga and Lalomanu in Aleipata district faces the need for good sanitation to prevent the spread of preventable diseases.

In the last few days, the SFO Samoa team under the auspices of 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' appeal has moved to help with a sanitation focus by digging holes for long drop communal toilets.

The volunteers are struggling with very little machineries and equipments to speed its relief work.

Samoa does not have any hired or rental services for such equipments as chainsaws, generators, and clearing equipments. 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' appeal has approved the purchase of a generator and chainsaw to enable the local volunteers and workers improve on speed and efficiency while maintain safety.

'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' appeal is now exploring joint efforts with habitat and other international agencies and building organisations to help build safe shelters (fale and houses) for affected families and villages. In addition, the rebuilding effort will include consultation with families abroad to help with the rebuilding of safe shelters for their families back in Samoa.

'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' Chairman, Mr. Olo Elise Puni, said, “We intend to develop and keep the friendships we have established through TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS appeal with donor organisations and individuals, also volunteers to form an international community with a future focus of helping the rebuilding of families, villages and communities in Samoa post tsunami 09.”

“This will include fly and build projects, history tours of Samoa covering pre tsunami 09 and post tsunami 09, sales of merchandise to support health projects, education projects, arts and culture projects, entertainment, emotional and moral support projects, charity projects”, said Olo.

Today Mr. Puni confirmed that another ‘anonymous’ organisation has donated $5,000 towards 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' appeal.

You can assist in funding the much needed machinery by contributing to the following appeal fund.

ACCOUNT NAME: Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 01-1837-0026899-000
BANK AND BRANCH: ANZ Sylvia Park Branch
SWIFT CODE/NUMBER: ANZBNZ22

Contact: Mr. Olo Elise Puni (+6427) 2285-004 / (+649) 2722-85004 / Email: [email protected]

Photo coverage sponsored by Health Star Pacific "Promoting Pacific People's Health"

Photo 1 - Saleapaga villagers now living in makeshift shelters inland.

Photo 2 - A mother and her children now live in the bush, too afraid to be near the sea.

Photo 3 - Families now living in a communal cluster without proper sanitation and toilets.
 
Photo 4 - An injured child with what’s left of her family belongings sheltered underneath a tent.

Photo 5 - A young girl, although safe inland, is still traumatised by the tsunami experience.

Photo 6 - Suia of Event Polynesia giving out bottles of water along the new settlement area.
 

Source: eventpolynesia.com

Today the local Search & Find Operation (SFO) team used the digger funded through 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' to dig graves at Saleapaga before moving onto Lalomanu village in the next few days. Both villages considered to be the worst hit by the tsunami.

One of the graves at Saleapaga was for Alavina Lopa’u Talosaga Aiotaota 38 years who was yesterday recovered by the SFO team. Alavina is buried without her 5 year old daughter Precious Christina Aiotoaota who is still missing. Her mother Salamina Fonoti Lopa’u Talosaga 73 years also deceased will be buried tomorrow.

Truck funded by 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' and team of SFO volunteers continue with the relocation of families from the beachfront to the high grounds inland.

According to Sogimaletavai Neueli, a matai of Saleapaga and brother of Alavina, “The relocation of our families inland is a permanent one. It’s too depressing to ever consider coming back to the beachfront.”

The 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' appeal continues to focus specifically on the needs of the local people. It is to ensure that the gaps where help is needed but not met immediately by government agencies and international relief agencies, is filled.

ACCOUNT NAME: Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 01-1837-0026899-000
BANK AND BRANCH: ANZ Sylvia Park Branch
SWIFT CODE/NUMBER: ANZBNZ22

In addition 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' appeal is now working towards a coordinated approach in conjunction with community leaders, government agencies and the business community to plan meaningful and practical assistance for Samoa, in the immediate term, the medium term and the long term.

In the immediate term, the focus will be safety (medical health and care), shelter and beddings, food, and clothes. In the medium term it will focus on the cleaning up.

Moreover, the medium to long term focus will be on the re-settlement, and re-building of families, villages, communities, infrastructures and to support the government and the people of Samoa, in Samoa.

Contact: Mr. Olo Elise Puni (+6427) 2285-004 / (+649) 2722-85004 / Email: [email protected]

Photo coverage sponsored by Health Star Pacific "Promoting Pacific People's Health"

Photo 1 - Search & Find Operation (SFO) team digging graves in Saleapaga.

Photo 2 - Search & Find Operation team assist family bury Alavina Lopa’u Talosaga Aiotaota.

Photo 3 - Sogimaletavai Neueli buries the first of three of his family.
 
Photo 4 - Search & Find Operation members take a few minutes off to join grieving family.

Photo 5 - Displaced families at Saleapaga now live in temporary shelters on higher ground.

Photo 6 - 'TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS' funded SFO team continue with relocating families.
 

Source: eventpolynesia.com

Rugby legend and member of the ‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ group Mr. Papaliitele Peter Fatialofa arrived in Samoa on the first flight in to Apia and was out at first light the day after to deliver food and to survey the damage first hand.

The dash to Samoa by Papaliitele and wife Anne was an emotional one, just in time to attend the burial of Mrs Tui Annandale, the first victim of Tsunami Samoa to be buried in the early hours of the day after. Mrs. Annandale is a relation of Mrs. Fatialofa. The deceased is a former Miss Samoa and host of the now ruined Sinalei Resort.

For Peter Fatialofa who also has the matai title of Leasiosio from the village of Lepa, it was also a solemn homecoming. Most of his village are on high grounds and were spared the wrath of Tsunami Samoa which completely destroyed the two neighbouring villages of Saleapaga and Lalomanu. Three people from Lepa were confirmed dead on day one.

By end of the day after, the ‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ appeal in conjunction with Search and Find (SFO) local team have found and retrieved six dead bodies reported missing but now found and returned back to the families in the village of Saleapaga.

Two professional divers of the ‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ funded local SFO team were at sea the day after to Search, Find, Retrieve, and Return bodies to their families and villages.

‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ appeal has further approved a disbursement to help purchase chainsaws and clearing equipments, as well as safety gears to ensure the safety of members of the SFO team who are working closely with police for the returned bodies to be properly identified by families and villages.

The ‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ appeal is an opportunity for the expression of the heart in free giving and charity of spirit.

ACCOUNT NAME: Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 01-1837-0026899-000
BANK AND BRANCH: ANZ Sylvia Park Branch
SWIFT CODE/NUMBER: ANZBNZ22

This appeal is by the people for the people without any boundaries or impediments of bureaucracy. ‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ appeal will work alongside to complement and support government agencies and international relief agencies but are free to help wherever the local and community needs are identified.

Contact: Mr. Olo Elise Puni (+6427) 2285-004 / (+649) 2722-85004 / Email: [email protected]


Photo coverage sponsored by Health Star Pacific "Promoting Pacific People's Health"

Photo 1 - Lucky escape for a family at Lepa but with out food and clean water the day after.

Photo 2 - Peter Fatialofa surveys the devastation at Lepa first hand the day after the tsunami.

Photo 3 - Tuilagi MS Esera of the TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS group delivers bread to Lepa.
 
Photo 4 - Tuilagi MS Esera delivering food and water to survivors at Saleapaga the day after.

Photo 5 - Tuilagi, Papaliitele and Anne next to the support boat for the SFO diving team.

Photo 6 - What is left of the popular Lalomanu water front and beach fale the day after.
 

Source: eventpolynesia.com

Within hours of the tsunami devastation in Samoa, three ‘anonymous’ organisations in New Zealand donated $30,000 NZD to start the 'Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds' for the people of Samoa and visitors affected by the tsunami on Wednesday morning.

Soon after, the appeal disbursed NZD$1,000.00 to support a group of local well organised volunteers, the first Search and Find Operation (SFO) team to reach Saleapaga, one of the worst hit villages.

The fund was requested for fuel for a digger (see photo and as seen on Campbell Live TV3 coverage the day after) and truck, to assists the local efforts in finding villagers who have been carried inland and buried under the sand and debris; and for clearing equipments.

By late afternoon the SFO relief team have found and recovered four missing bodies inland under heavy sand and debris including Salamina Fonoti Lopa’u Talosaga aged 73yrs (see photo).

Samoan community leader and chairman of the appeal group, Olo Elise Puni, said, “The ‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ appeal is an opportunity for the expression of the heart in free giving and charity of spirit.”

“We welcome you to support and partner with us in the ‘TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS’ appeal. This appeal will not coerce, nor beg for your giving,” said Olo.

ACCOUNT NAME: Tsunami Samoa 09 Funds
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 01-1837-0026899-000
BANK AND BRANCH: ANZ Sylvia Park Branch
SWIFT CODE/NUMBER: ANZBNZ22

The fund in the first instance is to support the living and the victims of the tsunami:

* To provide an immediate response in providing comfort and support for the people of Samoa and visitors affected by the tsunami,

* To support and help families and villages with the search of bodies both on land and at sea, so that their families can give the victims dignified burials. This applies to both Samoans, visitors and tourists who are also reported missing,

* To support families and villages who need help with burial arrangements of their loved ones lost through the tsunami,

* To support visitors and tourists who are away from home in whatever way it can.

This fund is primarily established to go directly to the people and communities in need (with threshold accountability systems agreed to) but without any unnecessary bureaucracies or ‘red tapes’.

Contact: Mr. Olo Elise Puni (+6427) 2285-004 / (+649) 2722-85004 / Email: [email protected]


Photo coverage sponsored by Health Star Pacific "Promoting Pacific People's Health"

Photo 1 - Search & Find Operation digger in action funded by TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS.

Photo 2 - A lone father works through debris at Saleapaga looking for his missing children.

Photo 3 - A mother at Saleapaga sits in shock with all that could be salvage of her home.
 
Photo 4 - Salamina, recovered by SFO funded by TSUNAMI SAMOA 09 FUNDS on day one.

Photo 5 - SFO team in action, damage to hill side indicating height of the waves at Saleapaga.

Photo 6 - SFO team leader Matautia Esila still offers a smile among the devastation on day one.