Spirit of love in action

By Ulimasao Fata 21 December 2017, 12:00AM

Christmas came early for ten of the most needy families in Samoa on Wednesday. 

Courtesy of Island Rock Company and their initiative to give back to the community, the company donated groceries and toys worth $1,000 each to the families whose plight had featured in the Samoa Observer’s Village Voice section.

Seiuli Paul Wallwork and Su’a Julia Wallwork, of the Island Rock Company, visited the families to share the Christmas spirit of giving with them.

“It’s the Christmas season and these people deserve it,” Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork said. 

“That’s what the Christmas season is all about.”

For the past few weeks, the Samoa Observer‘s Village Voice Section had featured a lot of stories of families struggling with food, money, water and other essentials for living.

Tuaopepe said they were touched by the stories and they wanted to help. And with Christmas, they surprised the families by turning up bearing gifts and love.

It was an unexpected blessing for these families and all they could do was shed tears of gratefulness and express their gratitude.

Maiava Iosia, a senior member of the Island Rock Company, conducted the presentation of donations on behalf of the company.

Samuelu Maka of Leusoali’i and the family was the first recipient of the donation.

Three families in Lotofaga-Uta - Tavita Kalolo, Moamoa Kitiona and So’olefai Sitagata – were given their items next. 

“I am truly out of words right now for this unexpected visit, I am truly grateful because finally now it’s started to feel like Christmas to my kids especially receiving toys,” said Moamoa Kitiona.

Tavita Kalolo was in tears while accepting the donations.

“I am so grateful for the assistance from your company, I never thought someone would care and donate these goods for my family.”

Lotu Palauni of Lotofaga Safata was the fifth family visited and then Finau Lino’s family in Leulumoega.

Lotu Palauni’s family survives from selling Fa’apapa (Samoan bread) while Finau sells koko esi for a living.

Fuga Niue of Manono-Uta was the seventh family visited.

Mr. Niue said this had been the first time anything like this had happened to him.

“I am truly honoured to receive this donation because this is the first time for me to be able to receive something like this.”

Paulo Visesio of Faleula was also fortunate to receive assistance from this Good Samaritan, along with Ionatana Vili and Lagi Ale of Toamua-Uta.

Another special donation yesterday was from the Wallwork’s granddaughter, Seirosa Wallworks Lamb, who provided First Aid gears to all 10 families.

“She has been selling cookies throughout the year as part of her fundraising program and today she was able to provide these first aid gears for all the 10 families because she believes Christmas is all about giving,” Maiava said. 

“We thank you Samoa Observer with your Village Voice team and the Island Rock Company for bringing us light during this year’s Christmas,” Fuga added.

By Ulimasao Fata 21 December 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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