Miss Samoa Australia, Shecki’nah Hadfield and her team donated $1,000 to Home of the Aged at Mapuifagalele earlier this week.

The 18-year-old is in Samoa to compete in this year’s Bluesky Miss Samoa Pageant.

“I love the idea of lending a hand to our elders because they are the reason why we are all here. Helping them has overwhelmed my heart,” she said.

Miss Samoa Australia’s chaperone, Sara Brunt, said the donation is an annual event since the establishment of the Miss Samoa Australia Pageant.

“We have always had the opportunity to donate to Mapuifagalele, so whatever money we can get from the pageant we make a donation.

“The assistance is significance to us because it is part of living, the Samoan culture strongly highlights the respect for our elders and most importantly our blessings come from taking care of our elders.

“We wanted to help especially because they are in great need of help. There is no funding they can depend on and all they use is what they have available and that was why we chose them. But we also do charity in Australia.”

A representative from the Little Sisters of the poor, Sister Elena, thanked the donors for their support.

“The money will be used for food and paying various fees. 

“All we have to give in return is to offer our prayers to God so that those who have given are blessed for having the heart to give."

There are 43 elders living at the home.