.gif)
The Fiji Red Cross has raised a record $23,201 locally for the victims of the tsunami that hit Samoa and Tonga last year.
Launched on October 1, 2009 following the devastating tsunami, the fundraiser is exceeded only by the organisation’s appeal for the Asian tsunami begun on Boxing Day 2004.
The society has forwarded $16,240 to Samoa and $6,960 to Tonga as both societies continue to work to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities, said Fiji Red Cross director general Alison Cupit.
“Thanks to the generosity of the people of Fiji, we are able to render support to our neighbouring island countries in their time of need as we know that they would support Fiji if we faced similar devastating disaster,” Cupit said.
The majority of donors were personal ones while two companies raised money from staff donations and fundraising events.
The funds will cover the response to ongoing needs including psycho-social support and counseling for traumatised victims.
The donation is in addition to the society’s initial gift of $10,000 to Samoa and $3,000 to Tonga.
