AN ALLIANCE DURING THESE TRYING TIMES

​As we are still adjusting to the new norm in our daily lives due to the COVID-19, while we are also forced to deal with domestic violence becoming an epidemic during a pandemic, the goodness of the Lord continues to shine through the compassion of humanity.
 
Take the Stunzner Family of Alafua for example, where Klaus & Norma Stunzner’s legacy of giving is continued on by its children and grandchildren.  
 
There is no doubt the effect of the COVID-19 has had on the socio-economic status of the average Samoan family. Stress and anxiety have lead to escalating rates of domestic violence, and the new United Nations research recording 68% of Samoans having lost income due to the pandemic, is a clearer indication of what had mostly triggered violence nowadays; the loss of income.  
 
And as the number of abused children at the Campus of Hope had gone past its normal average intake of 70 children, to the 100+ women and children now in residence, we here at Samoa Victim Support Group are starting to feel the brunt of the pandemic.
 
But the coming forward of the Stunzner Family to join the others in lending a helping hand means that a stronger community alliance is what we needed the most. This is especially the case as we visited underprivileged families and witnessed how trying these times really are for us all.
 
Seeing the joy on the Stunzner grandchildren’s faces as they helped their mothers and aunties to carry the supplies of formula milk, bulk food supplies, toiletries and even vegetables, gave us hope.  Because it is the compassion behind the donation that has a lasting impression on us as we continued to serve our community in need.
 
“Thank you so much Klaus & Norma Stunzner and your lovely family for always stepping in to lend a helping hand when we need it the most. Together, we are building a stronger community alliance to resound our ancestors cry, ‘Samoa mo Samoa’ as we fought for liberation back in the days; only this time, we are standing together against the COVID-19 pandemic, fighting for our right to live.” Siliniu Lina Chang, SVSG President

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