The directors and team of the Auckland-based Alofa Charitable Trust (T.A.C.T.) have donated $2,000 to assist the measles outreach program of Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.).

The main reason behind the group's decision to provide assistance was to provide help at a time when a neighbouring nation was most in need, says T.A.C.T. director, Levaoatuamaaana Aati-Schuster.

“[We remember that we are] always in prayer as [we] reach out to our families who have lost children to the measles,” he said.

He also acknowledged the S.V.S.G.'s extensive charitable work in response to the measles crisis. 

The President of S.V.S.G., Siliniu Lina Chang, thanked the donors:

“Thank you so much, Levā and the team, for always reaching out to support S.V.S.G. and its program for our people here in Samoa.

“We wish you and your families a most prosperous new year in God’s grace.”  

Levaoatuamaaana, who is also a former director of the New Zealand branch of the S.V.S.G., is now serving the Samoan community from Auckland through the efforts of the the charitable trust. 

T.A.C.T. has an ongoing partnership with the S.V.S.G. on a range of community projects, the latest of which has been supporting school fees which has enabled some of the child vendors supported under the S.V.S.G.’s "Hot Soup Skill Building Programme" to enter mainstream education.

The S.V.S.G. measles outreach programme was setup to offer support through counselling, clothing and food supplies to families affected by measles.

More than 500 people have benefited directly and indirectly from the outreach programme from 28 families.