Members of the newly formed opposition party Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party conducted a community outreach programme last weekend focused on raising money for the elderly and their caretakers. 

F.A.S.T. donated approximately $5,000 worth of goods towards the Little Sisters of the Poor and the Mapuifagalele Home of the Elderly. 

According to La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, Chairman of F.A.S.T. and Member of Parliament for Gagaifomauga No.3, the donation had long been planned. 

"We wanted to lend a hand and help our sisters (nuns) who are in charge of our elders at Mapuifagalele. 

"This was one of the three places we planned to offer our assistance to."

La'auli said should voters cast their ballots for F.A.S.T. at next year's election, the party will make improving the home at Mapuifagalele a priority. 

"We want [...] to upgrade and create a better environment for our elders there," he said. 

"It should be one of the government's commitment to help and assist the nuns in anyway they can to make sure that they are well-equipped to take care our elders. 

"We want it to be a resting hospital; a place where our elders can stay comfortably and have everything they need while they stay there."

La'auli said they are appreciative towards the efforts by Sisters of the Poor and their "amazing efforts in taking care of our aged citizens."

"We acknowledge and appreciate the initiative by the Catholic church to open up places such as Mapuifagalele for our elders," he said. 

He said that the party's motivation in conducting the fundraising was a famous quote by Mother Teresa. 

"Spread love everywhere you. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier," the Catholic saint from Calcutta, India has been recorded as saying.