The people of Tonga need our help.

 

My name is Fatai Tu'ulilo Visetasio Heimuli and I am the daughter of Tongan immigrants. My mother - from the village of Vaini, my father - the village of Malapo.

Even though I live in the Bay Area, I still feel the pain of my people on the islands suffering from the destruction caused by the recent underwater volcano eruption and subsequent tsunami. The beautiful island nation is now covered in ash, the water supply is contaminated, and many are still struggling to navigate flooded areas.

What has happened to the place my parents once called home keeps me up at night, it consumes my thoughts and prayers, and I can't help but worry for the loved ones I have yet to hear back from.

 

Please help me in raising $1,500 toward the relief and aid of my people. No donated amount is too small. I am focusing on collecting money versus donated goods as I want to minimize possible contamination, Tonga has remained COVID-free for the past two years and I'd like to contribute in a way that keeps them protected from the virus.

An aid vessel will leave the Port of Oakland for Tonga on February 5th. I will be collecting monetary donations until February 1st. I will then utilize the funds to purchase water, masks, and any other items of need to be sent directly to Tonga's National Emergency Management Office (NEMO). Receipts of donation purchases will be posted. 

 

Thank you, and please continue to keep Tonga, the Tongan community here in the Bay Area, as well as the loved ones we desperately hope are okay, in your thoughts and prayers.

 

Resources:

SF Chronicle "Ship with donated Tonga relief supplies will soon sail from Bay Area." https://www.sfchronicle.com/eastbay/article/Ship-with-donated-Tonga-relief-supplies-will-soon-16783238.php

 

CBS News "Images and patchy communications reveal devastation in Tonga after tsunami unleashed by massive volcano eruption"

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tonga-volcano-tsunami-deaths-images-devastation/