Help Rebuild Nasau Fiji

I am Amanda LaFrenier-Vateitei and my husband is Laitia Vateitei.  We live in Northern Wisconsin however, Laitia hails from Fiji (his father is from Lamiti, Gau and his mother is from Nasau, Koro).  On February 20, 2016 Fiji was devastated by category 5 Cyclone Winston. Our family was strongly affected by the cyclone.  Among the worst hit areas was Koro Island in Lomaiviti where Laitia’s mother is from. Laitia’s mom’s village of Nasau was completely destroyed. We have lost 6 relatives to Cyclone Winston, two aunts, two cousins, a cousin in law,  and a niece.  Laitia's  family sustained the loss of several homes on the island, including his mother's family home. Numerous family members have sustained injuries including one aunt who is severely ill and hospitalized from a near drowing. 

Laitia's mother lives in the city along with much other family.  Though they sustained no injuries, there are damages to the home.  The roof will need to be replaced as well as some other repairs.  Laitia will be returning home to spend time with family during this very difficult time.  He will also be providing assistance with re-establishing Nasau village's plantation, the main source of income and food for the village.  Laitia will also assist with cleanup and will begin to help with rebuilding if they reach that stage while he is home.

More immediate help needed includes providing clothing and food to the villagers.  Laitia will be taking with him as much clothing as he can manage.  When he arrives in Suva, he will purchase as much food as funds allow to take to the village with him (rice, flour, sugar, cooking oil, canned food, biscuits, tea, washing soap, bathing soap).  We hope that we will be able to provide assistance with the purchase of building materials to rebuild some of the close family homes in the village as well.

While Laitia is in Fiji, funds will be transferred directly to him.  After he returns to Wisconsin, any additional funds will be transferred to Laitia's cousin who will disperse those funds as he sees appropriate for the rebuilding of homes and continued assistance with food until crops are producing.  Any help is greatly appreciated by us and our entire family!