The Samoa Red Cross Society has stepped up to join a growing chorus of local businesses and private citizens fundraising to help Fiji.

The effort is to provide assistance to the thousands of Fijians affected by Cyclone Winston, the category 5 cyclone that ravaged Fiji during the weekend.

In the heart of Apia yesterday morning, the Red Cross staff and some A.P.T.C students joined forces for the Cyclone Winston appeal.

President of the Samoa Red Cross Society, Matatauali’itia Afa Lesa, said that in times like this, everyone should find it in their hearts to give a little.

 “We are having this fundraising appeal so that we can get some funds and then we remit them to Fiji to assist with whatever damages that’s been caused by Cyclone Winston,” he said.

“This is not the first time that Red Cross have raised funds.

“We have also raised funds during the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, the Japanese Earthquake and the recent one was the fundraising for Vanuatu when they were hit by the cyclone.”

The President said they are looking at raising $100,000.

“We are asking the business community, the individuals and everyone from around the country who are willing to donate to this cause.”