Groups helping children and families in need during the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic say they have been overwhelmed by offers of support. 

The Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.) said so many people have assisted families, especially children in need, during the current global pandemic.

S.V.S.G. President, Siliniu Lina Chang, said they would not have been able to assist families in rural communities without the support of others.

“Thank you Lord for your provision, without which, we would not be able to be of service to our people in need.  To our families out there, continue to look out for each other,” she said.

“Call us on the 800-7874 Help Line when in need of assistance. Together, we will see this crisis through.”

Since the S.V.S.G. began its help line it has been overwhelmed by offers to volunteer and lend a hand. 

The A.N.Z. Bank Samoa Chief Executive Officer Bernie Poort and his staff donated a total of $25,000 to support the work of the S.V.S.G. to address rising rates of domestic violence.

Eka Arp and the team from volunteer group Helping Hands donated various food supplies, toiletry, children supplies and shopping vouchers valued at $1,500 – to assist families who had contacted the helpline. 

This week, St. Vincent de Paul, which has always sought to support S.V.S.G. also offered relief packages for families in need.

For callers to the helpline from Savai’i, church ministers have partnered with S.V.S.G. to reach out and assist people. 

A group of women, who prefer to stay anonymous, collected a total of $1,000 and donated to the group for assistance.

They will also be working as volunteers as part of the S.V.S.G. response team. 

According to the S.V.S.G., village residents have been helpful in becoming representatives of their organisation in reporting cases of people in need at the local level

S.V.S.G. together with the United Nations’ Development Programme (U.N.D.P.) Spotlight Initiative, Samoa Stationery and Books and other supporting partners have formed an alliance dedicated to helping to combat the threat of COVID-19 in Samoa.