A hundred gift bags have been donated by TriMaori Charitable Trust through Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.) for mothers who have lost their children to measles.

A 21-year-old mother from Letogo, who lost her nine months child to measles, was one of the recipients of a gift bag given through S.V.S.G. on Monday.

The representative from the TriMaori Charitable Trust, Ariana Paul, said that their association was informed about the situation in Samoa through the media.

She said that there came a critical point where they felt the need to offer some sort of support to what was happening to Samoa.

“Just like Asa Foundation there are so many questions that you can ask before you feel like you need to get up and help,” she said.

Ms. Paul added that after deliberating with her husband who is the co-founder the Trust they wanted to help in any way they can.

“We did not know how we would do that so we started by bringing small gift packs for mothers of the deceased.

“These gifts are small things that mothers may use later for themselves but every box contains a silver necklace with a pendant that has a love heart and a butterfly on it which symbolises that their loved ones have ascended and that they will always take their hearts with them.

“We know that statistically there are 72 deaths so far but coming here in Samoa, it seems there are more deaths.”

She hopes after returning to New Zealand on Tuesday she can rally support from families, friends to get some supplies over to Samoa.

“We have a close connection with Samoa in our stories that we share and also we share the same countries.

“As a Polynesian it was hard to hear of this sadness in Samoa, we also we brought rugby balls and water bottles for schools and places where children will need.

“I go home on Tuesday but I have decided to give the supplies to S.V.S.G. who will distribute on our behalf because we have heard of their great work.”