ANZ Bank answers desperate man’s plea

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 10 March 2017, 12:00AM

Tanielu Taueli’s prayers have been answered.

Two weeks ago, the 37-year-old man from Leusoali’i featured in Village Voice where he said he was desperate to secure a wheelchair for his mother.

 “We’ve been asking the National Health Services for help but up until now, we haven’t had a response,” he said.

Tanielu’s mother is 65-years-old. She is immobile and that is why he needs help.

 “My father was sick in 2011 and that’s when we asked them for a wheelchair. When he died in 2014, we hadn’t received anything,” he said.

 “Now my mother is also ill and there is nothing I can do to help her. So this is why I’m desperate for help. All I ask for is a wheelchair.”

When the ANZ Bank’s Corporate Responsibility Committee read about Tanielu’s plight, they didn’t just feel sorry for him.

They moved in immediately to help. On Tuesday, the bank’s staff members visited Tanielu and his mother’s home to present a brand new wheel chair.

ANZ’s representative, Bimal Prakash, said they were delighted to be able to help.

 “As part of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, ANZ wishes to give back to its community on such initiatives and make a difference in the community,” he said.

 “If we people become more helpful to others, there will be much less tragedy in the world. We decided to offer Tauvaga Tauai a wheelchair because she deserves it.” 

His colleague, Debbie Leiataua, said when they read the story and felt sad for the elderly mother.

 “She needed our help,” she said. “When we see that humanity is suffering, it tears our heart, we cry and then we extend our hand to lend a helping hand. 

“It’s the least we can do to help this poor mother. 

“To Samoa Observer, thanks for all that you guys are doing for the country. I really love the Village Voice portion of the daily papers.”

Tanielu was one grateful man.

“First things first, thank you to the Samoa Observer for initiating your Village Voice programme to help people like us,” he said.

“This is the only programme in Samoa that offers people the opportunity to talk about life and voice out what is needed the most in developing their families.

“Thank you to the Editor in Chief Gatoaitele Savea Sano Malifa and of course the Samoa Observer staff for the great support to the people of Samoa.

“Last but not the least, special thanks to ANZ Corporate Responsibility Committee for the massive help. You’re truly life savers.”

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 10 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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