A brave shave

23 February 2016, 12:00AM

A young mother who has been following the work of the Samoa Victim Support Group for some time now on Facebook has gone bald to raised funds to help group.

A former victim of abuse, Vanessa Voigt, could identify with the unjust treatment received by the women and children who are abused in Samoa.

With the heart to support and the belief in the work of the Group, Vanessa Voigt made a pledge to support Samoa Victim Support Group.  

On 12 February at the Statement Hair Design in Canley Valey, Sydney Australia, Vanessa shaved off her hair to raise funds. The event was attended by Vanessa’s husband, sons and S.V.S.G Sydney volunteers.  

Approximately $6,000 was raised by the brave shave initiative by Vanessa.   The lack of resources and funding to support S.V.S.G in providing care and shelter assistance for women, babies and children who are victims of violence was what drove Vanessa to carry out such a brave act.

 “I myself was abused and was fortunate enough to receive great support from family and services,” she said.

“I want victims who go to S.V.S.G to get the same support I received to help them on a path of healing.”

According to Vanessa, “the event was not only to raise money for S.V.S.G, but to raise awareness about a great organization that I believe in.”   And this is the beginning of Vanessa and family’s support for the work of S.V.S.G.  The family is planning to spend 3 months in Samoa later this year to volunteer at the shelter.

Vanessa is a New Zealander Youth Worker who is now residing in Sydney with her Samoan husband and two sons.

 “Thank you so much Vanessa for the heart to support and the belief in the work of S.V.S.G,” said Siliniu Linga Chang. 

“We put in a considerable amount of work to provide for our people in need, but we always draw strength from the support of the community.”

 

23 February 2016, 12:00AM

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