The tsunami that hit Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga just shows how vulnerable the Pacific is to such disasters and we are going to do all we can to help the victims.
These are the sentiments of Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies acting director Francis Koya, one of the organizers of the art community and USP fundraiser drive for the tsunami victims called the "Seis for Samoa and Samoa Feather Appeal".
Koya said the second initiative includes a fundraiser dance and music concert featuring local and Pacific musicians and dancers next Thursday at the Holiday Inn at 5-10pm with tickets at $20 and a raffle for paintings, sculpture and jewellery contributed by 15 visual artists with tickets at $20 each.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Red Cross director has launched a public appeal to help the tsunami victims and for those who would like to make a contribution to this appeal, can deposit their donations to:
The Red Cross Pacific Tsunami Appeal, Account number: 1044-0224, at the ANZ Bank, Swift Code ANZBFUX.
Donations can also be dropped at the Fiji Red Cross national office at 22 Gorrie Street.
Looking at Samoa, a decision will be reached today on whether the Samoan government will hold a mass funeral for the 170 victims of Wednesday's tsunami.
Government officials will consult families of the victims for a second time in Apia.
The Samoan government has offered to pay the casket and cemetery costs for the approximately 100 bodies that remain in the morgue.
Some families have expressed displeasure at the idea of having one funeral for so many, and have asked whether they can still get government assistance if they decide to have a private ceremony.
The suggested public funeral date is Wednesday, but some families have asked for more time, so that relatives from overseas may attend.
Event to fundraise for tsunami victims
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