Acknowledgements were expressed by Acting Premier and Minister for Social Services Hon. Sauni Tongatule for the tremendous support fundraised to help the people of Tonga with their recovery response following the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami events that occurred earlier in the year.
According to a government press release issued today, a total of $36,902 NZD funds were raised from the National Prayer Service held at the Ekalesia Kerisiano Niue Millenium Hall on the 26th of January this year.
And at the Radiophon held here at BCN on the 14th of February with many donations made online.
“Following the announcement of our Premier at the Pacific Island Forum on the contributions made to the Kingdom of Tonga in those catastrophic events earlier this year – I felt that it is also important to thank the organisations and people of Niue for showing solidarity and coming together to show our support for the sad events that affected the lives of the people of Tonga,” says Hon. Tongatule.
BCN News understands that the funds will be sent directly to families in Tonga of Tongan nationals residing on the island.
“We are most grateful to the resident Tonga Community, Ekalesia Kerisiano Niue and all of the many organisations and people who have made this fundraising event a success – Oue Tulutulou ma Niue Fekai!” says Acting Premier Hon. Tongatule.