Betham Brothers share White Sunday joy

By Adel Fruean 06 October 2020, 8:30PM

Rain poured heavily on Tuesday - and so did tears of joy and gratitude.

Representatives from five families featured in the Samoa Observer's weekly Village Voice column received assistance packages ahead of White Sunday, from a team of officials from local company, Betham Brothers Enterprises Ltd (B.B.E.).

The selected families included: Peniamina Feli from Lefaga; Afele Pito from Manono-uta; Faamanatu Penetekoso from Leulumoega; Tofa Fuaivaa from Nofoalii and Noluama Fetausiai from Satapuala.  


Each family received $660 cash, food, such as: sacks of rice, flour, sugar, and box of tin fish, box of noodles, snacks, tarpaulin, and a 1000 litre gallon container for storing water. 

A representative from B.B.E., Ruta Williams, spoke on behalf of the company's Managing Directors, Fanene Mark Betham and Fuimaono Hugo Betham, to relay a message of hope to the families.

“This is the sixth year since our company has partnered with Samoa Observer, as they identify families in need while we raise funds to offer support,” she said.

Ms. Williams added that the donation is part of bringing joy to families who are not fortunate to hold grand celebrations on White Sunday.

“Our hope and aim is to provide assistance for the sake of your children," she said. “We believe that if our children are enjoying a good meal and have nice clothes, we want the same for yours.

“The funds we raised were from a fundraising our company conducted last week. It may not be a lot but we wanted to do this for the sake of giving hope and joy towards the hearts of the children.”

One of the recipients, a mother-of-seven, Mrs. Fetausiai expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards B.B.E. and their kind donation.

“I am both shocked and extremely thankful to see you all today," she said.

“Who are we for you to lend a helping hand with no repayment?

"We do not have any gold or jewels to repay your kindness but all we have are prayers to the Lord that He will bless each and every one of you especially your company."

The family of Mrs. Fetausiai depends on the sea and their plantation for survival.

“My husband and I are both unemployed, so this is of great help to us both; we can give our children a memorable White Sunday," she said.

A mother-of-three, Mrs. Penetekoso, told the Samoa Observer that the relief was a sign of their answered prayers.

“Our family does not have much, and because of our financial situation, we did not plan anything for this year’s White Sunday," she said.

“However, this year, we will have a feast with the children; my husband and I are also looking after his elderly mother and other siblings so all this food will be to help us feed everyone.


“The help we have been given will last us months, I am simply speechless, I would have never thought a stranger could help us with so much. May God bless you all.”

Mr. Pito, who is a father-of-eight extended his gratitude towards the donor company.

“I am a farmer who depends on the land for a living and with a big family, we do not have much, he said


“My heart is full of happiness and gratitude with the love we have received; I truly believe that God will repay your kindness.” 

B.B.E. will be assisting five more Village Voice families on Wednesday bringing the total to ten families. 

By Adel Fruean 06 October 2020, 8:30PM

Trending Stories

Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>