A COMMUNITY IN SOLIDARITY

​Overcoming the uncertainty of the current global health crisis, with the goodness of humanity, is something that we as a community in solidarity is embracing during these challenging times.
 
This is what Samoa Victim Support Group had experienced this week, through the outpour of love and support from our people.  It has been a source of encouragement as the work of love had inspired others to lend a helping hand.
 
We had the ANZ Bank here in Samoa through its Chief Executive Officer Mr. Bernie Poort, management and staff donating $25,000 to support SVSG’s work on domestic violence, on the rise at this time.
 
Then we had Eka Arp and the team from the “Helping Hands” donating miscellaneous food, toiletry, children supplies and shopping vouchers valued at $1,500 to assist with relief packages for families requesting welfare through the Help Line.
 
St. Vincent de Paul also came on board this week offering relief packages for families requiring welfare assistance.  Thank you Peter Bendinelli and the team for always being on the look out for ways to support SVSG and its work.
 
For callers to the Help Line from Savaii, we had the church ministers working in partnership with us to attend to our people’s needs in the big island.  Thank you for your generosity and your prayers.
 
Inspired by SVSG’s work during this time, a group of women who wished to remain anonymous, put together a donation of $1,000 presented to the office.  In addition, they are willing to volunteer as part of our Response Team.
 
Throughout this time, SVSG’s village representatives have been on hand whenever we alerted of assistance required by our families in need.  How grateful we are of this coming together of a community in solidarity, willing to be a part of the Response Team to lend a helping hand.
 
Together with the Spotlight Initiative (UNDP) here in Samoa, the UNICEF Pacific, the Samoa Stationery & Books and our supporting partners, we have formed a strong community alliance to counter the challenging impact of COVID-19.
 
It is in this connection that SVSG remains humble; thanking God in all circumstances. 
 
“Thank you Lord for your provision, without which, we would not be able to be of service to our people in need.  To our families out there, continue to look out for each other.  Call us on the 800-7874 Help Line when in need of assistance.  Together, we will see this crisis through.” Siliniu Lina Chang, SVSG President