Elders at the Home of the Elderly, Mapuifagalele received food and $1,000 cash from a women's committee within the  Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (CCCS) at Laulii.

The elderly were also treated to a performance of songs and dance by the women’s committee.

Eighty-four-year-old Malaea Sivai Tuitamalolagi, one of the elders at the shelter, spoke on behalf of his peers and the Little Sisters of the Poor and thanked the committee for their generosity. 

“We truly appreciate the gifts that you have presented for us; these will be used to assist the sisters in taking care of us.

“All that we offer is our prayers that the Lord may continue to bless each and every one of you for your kind hearts.

“It is true what the bible says that whoever gives with a happy heart shall be able to receive ten folds through God’s blessings,” he said. 

A representative from the women’s committee, Faleiva Agalenuu Faatupunuu, said that their donation was part of their annual programme in assisting the shelter.

“We have given this support to Mapuifagalele for three years now and the purpose is to help in any way or to lessen the burden by the sisters in looking after our elderly.

“We consider them our very own parents and it is our hope to continue this close relationship with them.

“We pray that we successful reach another year added to our lives so we can also provide this support for them – part of the donation was from each individual’s own contribution like a batch of bananas,” Faleiva said.

The 52-year-old also acknowledged God’s guidance throughout our efforts.

“We give back the glory to God for helping us make this contribution and also we pray for the elders' health and long life.”