The Samoa Offering Hope Charitable Trust has received donations to kick start the bank accounts charity initiative for vendors affected by a fire at the flea market.
ANZ Bank CEO, Mathew Fisher presented a donation of $1,000 and said, “This is one of the roles ANZ Bank plays in assisting with the people of Samoa such as the victims of the Savalalo Flea Market Fire through the SOH initiative which I believe is a great step forward."
The National Bank of Samoa (NBS) donated $2,000 towards the cause and its Chief Executive Officer, Tofa Tu’u’u Amaramo Sialaoa, expressed NBS’s support for Samoa Offering Hope.
“The National Bank of Samoa is pleased to be part of and supporting the ‘Samoa Offering Hope’ initiative helping businesses and individuals get back on their feet and restore their ability to support their families, our community, and the economy.” Said Tu’u’u.
“The National Bank of Samoa has set up a bank account for the purpose of receiving donations and has extended new affordable arrangements for debt repayments to bank customers whose businesses were destroyed by the fire.” Tu’u’u added.
SOH Chairperson and President of Samoa Hotel Association, Ms. Adele Kruse and Taimalie Ernest Betham, Director of Betham and Company Chartered Accountants, were present to receive the donations from the two banks.
“We are thankful to the banks for accepting the call of a nation and recognizing the importance of partnering with the SOH Charitable Trust as members of the Taskforce, to assist in the aftermath of an extraordinary event such as the Flea Market fire.” said Ms. Kruse.
A temporary market has been set up and most stalls are now fully operational. The 30 day charity initiative has seen many prominent names donate and SOH and is hoping more would come before the deadline on the 28th of this month.
The fire last month completely gutted the flea market causing extensive damage and loss to stall operators.