Students Raise Funds for Samoan Disaster Relief

Posted on 27. Oct, 2009 by Christine Phan in Campus

On Tuesday, 29 September 2009, an 8.3-magnitude earthquake struck between the islands of Samoa and American Samoa, sending a tsunami that killed nearly 200 people and destroyed all villages in its path. Islands also affected by this disaster were the Philippines and Indonesia. Many organizations across the country and around the world have set up aid and relief for the victims of the tsunami. Here on the PUC campus, we also have our own in the works.

Duke Sagapolutele (’11), religious vice president of the Mabuhay Filipino Club, has started collecting donations for the disaster victims. Sagapolutele came up with the idea in late September after the disaster occurred, and began collecting money and donations during the first week of October. During colloquy on 8 October, he made a special request from the staff and students in sanctuary to donate; an unexpected value of $544 was collected. Can we say “Amen”?

“I would like to thank everybody who was able to donate that day; it was completely out of the blue, and I am very thankful,” Duke expressed.

During the interview, I asked Duke why he wanted to collect donations and how he came upon the idea. He responded, “It felt right,” since home was in Samoa, and family members were living right where the tsunami struck. Duke personally experienced the disaster himself, for he lost an aunt, and his family’s village and property. In Samoa, homes are made out of property such as trees and natural sources; therefore, it is going to be tough and heartbreaking to rebuild the damaged homes. Duke’s family begun sending money, and is planning to make a visit to relatives and friends in Samoa who are in the progress of rebuilding their homes and lives after the disastrous event.

In continuation of fundraising, Sagapolutele and the officers of Mabuhay are in the progress of putting on a floor show for the Fall Fest on 1 November. The floor show is made of PUC students participating in several Polynesian and Filipino dances. In addition to the show, the club will have a booth selling food and tickets for the show. Not only can you purchase the items sold in order to contribute, but also bring items to donate, such as clothes, toiletries, and other useful materials. All money and items collected proceed toward the fundraising, where Sagapolutele will be officially sending to DREF (Disaster Relief Emergency Fund). There is no certain deadline, so any donations will be incredibly appreciated and helpful at any time.
Come out to Fall Fest on Sunday, 1 November, support all the clubs, and help the Filipino club collect donations and other contributions for the tsunami victims in the Pacific islands. Please pray for Duke’s work and the victims in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Samoa, because they need the assistance and support from our PUC family. Never doubt the power of prayer.