Residents at Samoa Victim Support Group’s Campus of Hope were the recipients of boxes of clothing from members of the public, donated through the Samoa Stationery and Books’ charity project.

The donation was presented on Friday to the S.V.S.G. who manage the campus, which houses survivors of abuse including domestic violence and child abuse.

The charity project was launched last year after discussions between the two parties on areas that the Tuanaimato-based humanitarian organisation needed assistance with.

The project calls on the public to donate clothes, whether new or second-hand, for children who are residents at the Campus of Hope. 

The S.S.A.B. agreed to have two donation boxes for clothes placed at its Togafu’afu’a Megastore for members of the public to drop off donated clothing. 

According to the SSAB Chief Executive Officer, Tofilau Leung Wai, the company had appealed to the public to donate clothes to children at the Campus of Hope after it was highlighted as a need by the non-government organisation last year. 

"Every child deserves to be happy,” said Tofilau, as she thanked members of the public for the donations and she hopes it will make the Campus residents feel special. “Thank you for your good hearts in supporting and donating clothes, god bless your hearts always.”

To date more than 70 women and children victims have gone under the care of the S.V.S.G. refuge facility.

S.V.S.G. President Siliniu Lina Chang acknowledged the efforts of Tofilau through the charity project involving S.V.S.G. as well as help and support from the public.

She told the Samoa Observer in an interview that the start of a new year has brought with it more victims needing refuge. 

“With only two weeks into the year 2021 but we have five new young children victims for different cases,” she said. “The need for clothes increases with more victims we get under our care, this is why we are truly grateful for everyone that donated, but especially to Tofilau and S.S.A.B. for their continuous support.”

The charity project continues to run with donation boxes located at the S.S.A.B. Megastore Togafu'afu'a.

On top of the charity project, the stationery firm has also donated a 15kg washing machine to the humanitarian organisation. 

Clothes donated to the S.V.S.G. through the donation boxes at the S.S.A.B. will be delivered on a fortnightly basis, though this will depend on the amount of clothes donated. 

The S.S.A.B. will also continue to promote its stance on ending violence against women and children through another partnership with the S.V.S.G. focusing on the economic empowerment of women.