Two Samoan charity organisations are the recipients of a total of $50,000 in funding support from the ANZ Bank to assist families impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

The bank announced last Thursday that it was giving A$500,000 (T$882,256) in funding assistance to eight Pacific Island states’ coronavirus (COVID-19) response.

The Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) and the Little Sisters of the Poor will each receive T$25,000 with the ANZ Samoa Country Head, Bernie Poort, saying that the funding will support the two local organisations’ efforts to assist families that are affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“Samoan charities are heavily impacted by this crisis and it is important we rally behind these groups so they can continue their outstanding and much needed work within our communities,” he said in a statement.

ANZ Bank Regional Executive for the Pacific, Tessa Price, said combating the spread of COVID-19 was a regional challenge and ANZ is playing its role to support its customers and their communities.

“The Pacific Islands are closely connected and we need to work together to stop the spread of Covid-19. ANZ hopes this donation goes some way to combating these challenges,” said Ms Price.

“For our customers in hardship, we encourage you to talk to us about your banking options during this time.”

President of Samoa Victims Support, Siliniu Lina Chang said they have seen a significant increase in domestic violence as a direct result of the COVID-19 state of emergency lockdowns.           

“While COVID-19 does not discriminate, it has nevertheless brought humanity together, as a community in solidarity.  As such, on behalf of the Chair of the S.V.S.G. Board and its members, I acknowledge with humility the donation from our ANZ family here in Samoa, to assist with the work of S.V.S.G. for our most vulnerable population, the abused women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities, during these challenging times.”

Sister Alosia of the Little Sisters of the Poor said that the state of emergency has affected the flow of restaurant food donations that they would usually receive for their aged care facility.

“I would like to thank the staff and Management of ANZ for the wonderful donation and we are very appreciative of the support shown by ANZ.”

 The donation follows fee removals, interest rate reductions and loan repayment deferral options already offered by ANZ to support Pacific customers experiencing hardship due to COVID-19.