Tonga Tsunami Appeal

It is my pleasure to host this GoFundMe campaign for my dear friends in Tonga who are unable to register on this platform due to both connectivity issues and geographical requirements for set up. Here is a note on who they are and what your support will go towards:

Hi Everyone. We are two friends who have lived through the very terrifying experience of the Hunga-Tonga/Hunga-Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami. We are so privileged to be safe with access to essential services and supplies but many here are not so fortunate. Our sizeable international network has contacted us to support and we have waited the first two weeks to establish status of support on the ground, mindful that you all wish to have a platform that will provide both ACCOUNTABILITY and TRANSPARENCY. We have conducted our own preliminary needs assessment, to identify several households who may not be benefiting directly from immediate assistance (as they may not have been completely displaced, or eligibility for existing relief programs is problematic). They still need considerable support and our immediate assistance will be channeled to them, with opportunity to then fill gaps in ongoing relief efforts. We will also be sharing our experience through our social media platforms (officially: Hon. Frederica Tuita on facebook) and will share a link to our blog here, once connectivity permits. This will allow us to update you all on our assessment approach and findings, quantified relief activities which are prioritised and will address immediate needs;  while acknowledging the need for longer term reconstruction and recovery of livelihoods, and ultimately resilience of these communities. We will also identify other partners working in this space, so as not to double up relief efforts; and are working directly with the beneficiaries so their needs are not being dictated to them and they will be able to share their stories of recovery with you all. 

‘Ofa lahi atu from Tonga,

Honourable Frederica Tuita & Ms. Salome Tukuafu