Spirit of Survival

It is exactly one year since an 8.3 earthquake triggered a powerful tsunami that devastated both Samoas and the remote Tongan island of Niuotaputapu. If this had happened a couple of centuries earlier there wouldn't be as widespread a consternation as we had witnessed September 29, 2010.

The whole wide world watched nature rearing its ugly head; it was brutal, ruthless, and certainly took no prisoners. People closest emotionally to the victims raised utterances of disbelief: why Samoa,why Tonga, my family, my heritage? Some say it happened as a warning to a wicked generation while some say it was due to tectonic movements of the earth's core plates. Whichever school of thought you tend to trust, the fact remains that something awful happened. It was so awful that lives were lost, properties destroyed, whole families and communities were left with an emptiness that would take a long, long time to replace.

It is the filling of that emptiness that determines the fate of these beautiful people that we call families, friends and fellowmen. We often hear that the "natural man is evil", however as Christians we believe that every man has redeeming qualities that lie dormant in our subconscience and when call upon will bloom to become very loving, caring, and compassionate people. We have since witnessed organizations and individuals alike come to the aid of the tsunami victims.

The Samoa Relief Wave is a group of individuals from Utah that realized that "because (we) have been given much (we)too must give". Not because we are excessively rich but because we feel the pain of those less fortunate. We too decided that we must help. We helped facilitate the conveyance of "big love" from the people of Utah in donations. The motive was strictly to help our brothers in need; in partnership with the US Veterans Association of Samoa we distributed that love and hope.

We hope that collectively all of us that helped have put back some oxygen into the veins of a people that have gone through so much. We wish the powers that be the presence of love for the perpetuation of our heritage. Calamities come and go but the human soul lives on.


In conclusion we pay our respects to those who died, and to those who are left behind we salute you for the courage that you have mustered to carry on with life. With your resolute attitude our future generations look forward to tackle any challenges nature throws at them.

Tsunami children start 2010 with a smile!

Okay, you probably all have wondered what had happened to our crates of Christmas stockings sent to Samoa. There was a hiccup with delivery from SLC to LA and the vessel didn't reach Samoa until the last day of December. Things however couldn't have gotten any better, thanks to our partners, The US Veterans of Samoa, Inc.




They promptly utilized their military experience in expediting the delivery, and thankfully they were able to cut through the red tape as all government offices were closed for the holidays. The very next day, New Years Day 2010, President Afoafouvale Mark Moors and his crew got going.

Enjoy the report from Mark:

The first sunrise of 2010 dawned a partly cloudy, warm day. A great day for the mission tasked to the US Veterans of Samoa volunteers. The Veteran team of
F. “Kiofu” Nansen (USMC), Maae Taala (US Army), “Kit” Faumui (US Army), “Sarge” J. Moors (US Army), Honorable MP “Joe”. Keil (USAF), and “Pres” M. Moors (USAF) were poised for maneuvers around the tsunami affected region of Upolu, Samoa. A support crew of wives, children, grand children, and Nathan Keil completed the convoy. The mission: to deliver Christmas gift stockings to the children of the tsunami affected families. In the early morning the team had assembled to unpack the contents of crates delivered the day before. The shipment of Christmas Stockings stuffed with gifts had arrived on the last day of 2009. Sec. Treasurer Al Garcia (US Army) had handled the shipment release process and VP Benjamin Steffany (US Army) had taken care of feeding the distribution team. Now with three pickup trucks completely loaded, the team gathered after a refueling stop at Vailele for a prayer of thanks giving for their part in this mission, and a request for divine guidance and protection.

Ms Lee Letui (USAF) joined the convoy at Saleaumua and the trek inland to reach the relocated families of the tsunami-affected region began in earnest. As the
team moved further inland, they found that many of the families were still using tarpaulins and tents for shelter. Makeshift huts dotted the landscape and new taro plantations were springing up where previously there was shrub. And then there they were, the children with their resilient eager faces. This was New Years day but many were coming out of the bushes where they had either been sent for firewood or gone to assist in clearing and planting. It was wonderful to see the young faces light up as they realized this tsunami relief shipment was strictly for them and aimed a bringing some fun back into their lives. And so the Vets and crew got to work through rain and shine, handing out the SRW Christmas stockings.


Stop after stop we witnessed the same excitement and sparkle in the young eyes as we traversed the newly made, muddy back roads to the inland settlements. I guess we could have moved quickly from village to village if we had stayed on the main coastal road. However to reach the families who were affected we had to drive inland to the new tsunami settlements at each of the affected villages. The mission was a rewarding exercise in giving of our time to deliver what the generous sponsors of the Samoa Relief Wave organization had donated. We were there to hand out the stockings, receiving the grateful thank you and seeing the children’s gratitude for the gifts.

The mission was a huge success as we covered the villages of Saleaumua, Mutiatele, Malaela, Satitoa, Ulutogia, Vailoa, Lalomanu, Saleapaga and Lepa. And as the sun set on the first day of 2010, the team of US Veterans and their support crew made their way home, thoroughly hungry, thirsty, wet, and exhausted; but completely satisfied in the knowledge that they had helped bring some measure of joy to the lives of many of the tsunami affected children.
And with that they report the “mission accomplished.”

The US Veterans of Samoa truly appreciate the opportunity of being a partner in this mission of love planned and organized by those who are the Samoa Relief Wave. People like Wendy Alafua, Adele Patane, Margaret "Lita" Sagato and others along with the many sponsors. God bless and guide your efforts this New Year.

Afoafouvale Mark Moors
President, U.S. Veterans of Samoa

Merry Christmas and Thank you!

Thank you all for your love and support.
Roger Jerman (Lone Peak Elementary) and Adele.
Dofi Faasou and Mitzi Jessop

Urban Pacific Music
Taylor Vaifanua

Vaifanua-Holker family

Aaron and his cousins were such good helpers.
Kuuipo Vea and her beautiful girls.
Gloria, Lita and Netta
Lunch bags filled with toys and treats for the kids.
Lita stuffing purses with gifts for the little girls.
Christmas gifts and stockings
Adrian Williams dropping off gifts.
Stockings of goodies are boxed up and ready to be shipped.

Kalisi and Loi securing the second crate full of stockings.
Manuia le Kerisimasi
Adele, Netta, Lita and Wendy
Aaron, Kalisi, Wensy, Lita, Loi, Adele, Netta, Verona and April

November 20th and 21st came and gone, yet so much was accomplished by our faithful supporters and members. We cannot do justice by the mere mention of your names but we know that from your hearts you have gotten the utmost assurance that somewhere out there in the islands some kids are finding something to smile about. You did not do this because you wanted the world to know you are kind but because you really are compassionate. We, at the SRW, sincerely say to YOU, Faafetai Tele Lava!

To Taylor Vaifanua And Friends, thanks for letting us provide the vehicle to funnel your love to your people and hope that we will continue to work together in future projects.

Please accept our heartfelt thanks to the following: Vaiola Ward (SLC), Rita Nieto and Scott Tudo(manager) of Walmart (Riverton), Milcreek 1st Ward, The Ridge at Jordan Landing, A-Plus Printing, 2Xtreme Boot Camp, Lone Peak Elementary, Trophies (Iowa), Mayor Wall and the City of Taylorsville, Big Budda (Leroy Teo) of Fox 13 in the Morning, Jayson & Pamela Orvis, Mitzy Folau, Julie Iosefa Tuimauga, Adrian Williams, Kuuipo Vea, Justeena Masina, Kenneth Akers, April Duff, Roger Jerman, Angie Vaifanua, Lenae Lichfield, Kim Anderson, Dofi Faasou, Ti Kinikini, Richard Wolfgramm. Our apologies to those whom we've not named but a lot of you have desired to remain anonymous.

Thank you Kalisi for building our crates out in the cold, and last but not least our thanks to our members, Vernetta, Beverly, Elsie, Gloria, Verona, Lita, Adele, and Wendy.

Now where from here? Like we have always maintained, we will keep this labor of love going until we are not needed anymore and we see no reason why we shouldn't.
We are already preparing for the Back to School Project 2010. Our donors have already pledged assistance in different areas. Most of them have visited our on-site drives and have committed to contribute. Hence we continually ask for your help in realizing the dream of some precious souls whose development have been hindered by circumstances they have no control over. See the American spirit of philanthropy is second only to none in the world, and we trust that as long as we keep our work in good governance and transparency we will succeed in helping our fellowman.

Day 1 of "Project Christmas" stockings for the children of the tsunami.

Today we started our two-day stockings collection at Taylorsville City Hall. Our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Wall for the help. It started slowly with the SRW girls setting the mood with xmas decorations. Our original goal was set at 1200 stuffed stockings, now lo and behold we are booking a second crate with the shipping company. Leading up to the drive we had received from the local community and as far as Iowa donations both in money and kind. We have seen the true spirit giving as people and businesses donate from the heart.

Our partners Taylor Vaifanua and Friends made the four-hour drive with over 500 stockings, Lone Peak Elementary delivered school supplies, and Kenneth Akers from 2Xtreme Boot Camp signed over a generous check because he's not good at stuffing stockings. All throughout the day the good folks came in with donations.

Tomorrow we will again be there till 6pm, and by then we will pack the crates and get it ready for pick up on Monday to be delivered to Los Angeles and onward to Samoa We are also proud to announce that our partner-on-site is the US Veterans of Samoa, Inc. President Afoafouvale Mark Moors is in charge with identifying the recipients and will be our representative in Samoa. Some people of note in this association include the likes of Johnny Moors, Adolf Arp, Joe Keil and Aifala Ena.

Hope to see you there tomorrow!

Stockings for Samoa and Tonga

Don't forget you can drop off your stockings for the children of Samoa and Tonga starting tomorrow November 20, at The Taylorsville City Hall. We'll be there from 7 a.m. till 6 p.m. and again on Saturday Novemeber 21 from 7 a.m. till 5 p.m. Please come and support this worthy cause. Remember these kids not only lost their homes, alot of them lost family members. Lets work together to make this a Merry Christmas for the children that have endured so much this year.

Special thanks, to those that have already donated and that are working on their stockings.

Sky West delivers...Thank you!

49 Stockings...Thank you Holker family and friends

Thank you Tae and Taleah

Stocking drive UPDATE

The Stocking drive has been moved to The Taylorsville City Hall. The dates are the same, November 20 & 21. Hope to see all of you there!


Taylorsville City Hall


2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd (5320 South)
Taylorsville, UT 84118

Last chance to give Stockings for Samoa and Tonga

"Project Christmas"



If you've been thinking about giving a stuffed stocking you still have time. SRW will be collecting this week November 20 and 21 at The Taylorsville City Hall. We'll be collecting as early as 6 am till 5 pm. If you can give even just one stocking you'll be bringing a world of joy to a small child's life. Please remember the children of Samoa and Tonga this Holiday Season. A little goes a long way.

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to email Lita, Adele, or Wendy at samoareliefwave@gmail.com or call Lita Sagato 8017188638, Adele Patane 8016611515.



Ideas for Stocking Stuffers

GIFT IDEAS TOYS : small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

Holiday Gift Show with Big Budah

Special Thanks, to Big Budah (Leroy Teo) of FOX 13 for all his support and efforts to assist in aid for Samoa and Tonga. Faafetai le alofa ma le agalelei.

Big Budah and Taylor Vaifanua


Big Budah, Wendy & Justice Alafua, Taylor Vaifanua, Adele Patane and Lita Sagato


Adele, Taylor, Wendy, Justice and Lita



 

 

Taylor Vaifanua, collects stockings for Samoa and Tonga

Taylor Vaifanua


Former "American Idol" contestant, Taylor Vaifanua is collecting stockings to deliver to children in the Samoan and Tongan islands affected by the recent tsunami.


The island of Samoa holds a special place in Vaifanua's heart. She grew up there as a young girl and lived near the villages where many young childen died while they were on their way to school. "My heart aches for those who have lost loved ones. This is just a little something I can do to make their holidays a little brighter," she said.


Vaifanua, along with the Hurricane High School Polynesian Club, have partnered with the Salt Lake City based organization, Samoa Relief Wave. Their goal is to collect 1,200 Christmas stockings to ship over to the islands. The shipment will be transported from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles on Monday, Nov. 23 so it can arrive to the islands by Christmas. The drop off deadline in Southern Utah is Thursday.





For every stocking donated, Vaifanua will donate an autographed CD and personal letter to go inside each stocking. For more information on how the public can donate, visit www.fansfortaylorvaifanua.blogspot.com or www.samoareliefwave.blogspot.com.

Thank you, Porter Family

Stuffing Stockings for Samoa and Tonga

SRW would like to thank the Porter Family of American Fork, Utah for their time and effort in putting together and stuffing stockings for the children of Samoa and Tonga.

Stockings for Samoa and Tonga

Tis the Season...


With the Holiday's just around the corner our thoughts and prayers are still with those affected by the tsunami but especially with the small children. We dont have a huge budget, but our idea is to give the children back home a little something to look forward to come Christmas morning. Due to budget restrictions what we do have we will be using for shipping cost. So, we are asking for whatever help we can get with PROJECT CHRISTMAS "Stockings for Samoa Tonga" what is needed now are STOCKINGS and stocking stuffers for the children for Christmas. We are in need of about 1200 stockings to send to those children who will have nothing for Christmas this year. If this is something you or your family would like to be a part of whether it be one or one hundred it would be amazing. I couldn't imagine my little ones having to go through a Christmas with nothing, so please if you can donate stockings, stocking stuffers, or stuffed stocking please contact Adele, Wendy or Lita of SRW at samoareliefwave@gmail.com or Kuuipo of A Sweet Sale at kuuipovea@hotmail.com ..Thanks Kuuipo:)

Here is a list of ideas that we could use, or you could most definitely come up with your own! Please have the items ready by 11/20/09. Thank you!!!!

GIFT IDEAS TOYS : small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

SRW Donation drive...Taylorsville City Hall

Some of the many volunteers that came out to lend a helping hand.
A supportive community.
Donations came in by the truck loads...
Donations from Day 1
We were blessed with the beautiful sounds of the Maile family and friends.
The week immediately following the Tsunami that devastated our Samoa's and Niuatoputapu,Tonga many members of the Pacific Islander community of Utah decided that they would take action. Together they would fill three 52 foot trailers of aid that were sent via us army aircraft. The week was long and rewarding. Volunteers were gathered each morning before 6am and soon after the donations would arrive by the truck loads. As the week went on the feeling of love only grew stronger. What an awesome thing it was to see people of all walks of life join together in service for people less fortunate then themselves. When plans for the Tsunami Relief Donation Drive first began, I don't think any of us had any idea what we were up for nor did we realize how rewarding it would be to serve others. The week was truly amazing. And when the trucks were ready to leave the spirit of love was felt so strongly. A special bond and such fond memories were shared between many of the volunteers that gave so freely of themselves to help their people back home.