Samoa Road To Recovery

Aussie MP Saddened by his Visit to Samoa –

admin — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:02:25 +0000

Samoa Observer Newspaper reports

Bob McMullan’s visit to Aleipata last week made him sad.
The trip was for business and personal reasons.

Business since the Australian Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance was there to offer support and find out how his country can help further.
Personal because he has been to Aleipata several times before and he has fallen in love with the place, dubbed the hub of tourism in Samoa.

The destruction he witnessed was devastating.
“Of course I’ve seen reports, seen photographs but you can’t imagine the scale of where the damage occurred without seeing it,” he said.

“On the behalf of the Australian Government I have already sent a message and spoken to the Head of State and Prime Minister about our condolences for the terrible loss. READ MORE

Small Actions Steps but its a start

admin — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:19:19 +0000

For those of you who have helped out on volunteer committees you understand time is always a factor trying to get things organised around everyones busy schedules. Well it has been a juggle but we are pleased to announce a few practical iniatives we have been able to put in place and as of this day are LIVE and AVAILABLE.

Firstly we have received permission from Brisbane City Council to conduct a charity collection in the city surrounding Queen St Mall (for those who don’t know Brisbane this is the main thouroughfare and is a pedestrian only zone) and will be doing so with the generous support of Island Breeze Australia who are providing volunteer collectors for four days – thanks so much Waqa, Jade and the Team!

Secondly we have launched our Supporters Tshirts with all profits going directly to YWAM Samoa relief efforts – you can buy them online here on this site.We have a very generous vendor who has given us the tshirts at a great discount – thanks!

Thirdly we have been given some very generous airtime from Radio 96.5 in Brisbane who will be promoting the www.samoaroadtorecovery.org and the supporters Tshirts for the next four weeks as part of our compaign to broaden community awareness. We realise so many have already been so generous, however reaching out to those beyond the immediate Samoan Community and their alliances we hope to engage further supp0rt.So if you are in Brisbane listen out and also for those outside Brisbane you can listen to the station online.

Finally – wow it is amazing – from this small humble website we have seen already over $14000 deployed directly to Samoa for relief efforts – with the steps put in place above we hope to see that figure continue to grow. Remember as the funds are going to full time services provided by volunteers there has been no expensive wages or overheads.

So Thankyou and please continue to help us spread the word – Lets not let them be forgotten!

Just be Greatful…..

admin — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:14:07 +0000

My husband returned today from Samoa. We heard the stories first hand – there was no media edit. Now I am greatful – more than before. We have so much – they have so little. Sometimes it is the personal experience the reality of the suffering that is needed – to make us greatful. Amazingly those who have lost so much are greatful – it is sobering, I feel selfish when I reflect on some of my pettiness – I hope and pray from this day forward I will remember to reflect , that no matter how difficult I think my cirumstances are , there is someone worse off than me – and yet they find the strength and hope to be greatful.

Let the Rebuilding Begin!

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:21:23 +0000

I am still mindful of the sadness, despair and lonliness being experienced by thousands of shell shocked people – but daily I hear of the many who are choosing to rally and work together. The rebuilding is beginning and no doubt will gain momentum.

So with that in mind the teams we are supporting on the ground are shifting gear and starting to plan and focus on what needs to be done.They are part of the many great unsung heroes in Samoa – they seek no publicity yet have quietly gone about serving and ministering to the homeless and brokenhearted.

To all of you who have so generously donated know that your funds are already hard at work with the mobile medical teams who have been treating secondary wounds, infections and working to contain the spread of disease.We have mission builders volunteering to fly in and assist with the hands on projects . So thankyou for your support and encouragement. We will switch into some “news stories” to keep you updated on projects and progress – you are all part of this rebuilding!

And this is Why we must not Forget them

admin — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:02:02 +0000

IF you are like me, you sort of tire of hearing about all the despair…..in some ways when the tragedy isnt headlines anymore it’s a break, makes you sort of kid yourself into thinking everything is ok. The stark reality is – its not! This is an enormous humanitarian disaster for a country the size of Samoa.

Here is a quick excerpt from Dave Skeats field director for the Rescue Net Team from Arms who has been hands on in the field and continues to be so

“we have treated hundreds of people and been providing medical care to hundreds of Tsunmami victims who are livingunder sheets of plastic in the hills – there is a …lot of disease and some have had to be evacuated to hospital. We are back in the main Tsunami site this week………”

So let us not become complacent, just because the major media outlets are not covering the situation as headline news there is still so much to be done – it will be a long road to recovery and we invite you to be part of that journey with us in whatever way that can be your support and help will not go unrewarded.

Samoa Reflections………………

admin — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 06:33:11 +0000

As the country begins to move on many individuals have been so impacted by what they experienced in this past 10 days in Samoa. Here NZ Correspondent, while still openly processing what she has witnessed shares some thoughts from her experience………in all her time covering many other tragedies this is the worst distruction she has ever seen…

Tim Cahill using his Profile to keep us all aware

admin — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:35:48 +0000

Recent statement from Tim Cahill, Socceroo and Everton leading player

Speaking about his Samoan heritage, Cahill said yesterday: ”Football is only a game. This is a real-life situation. I’ve been in touch with my family there, my friends, and obviously it’s very sad what’s occurred. Samoans are strong people, but they need help. I’ve never forgotten where I’ve come from. Without family, you’re nothing. I go to Samoa every year to give stuff away, not because I want a pat on the back, but because I want to.

Memorial Service Today in Apia 143 Victims honoured

admin — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:50:40 +0000

As Samoa begins to refocus and look ahead to rebuilding today was a time of Reflection to the many who lost their lives.

We sincerely pass on all our deepest sympathy to all those deeply affected by this tragedy and will continue to stand with you……….Read More

Defence force do a great Job

admin — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:47:37 +0000

These guys are so professional, so focused and have made a huge difference in the Search and Rescue

Take a moment to see the great work they do

Preparations Continue for Mass Funeral

admin — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:41:13 +0000

Samoan Government declares national Day of Mourning