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Local donation made to victims of California wildfires

(Pictured l-r standing): Aitulagi Alofa, Gabriel Mendoza, Ben Schuster, Racquel Mamea, and Georgina Alofa, (l-r sitting): Vaito'a Hans Langkilde, Filifaatali Mike Fuiava, Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga, and Pastor Lemmy Seumanu.
blue@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The victims of the tragic California wildfires will be getting $15,000 thanks to a generous donation ($5,000 each) from Manumalo Academy, Manumalo Baptist Church, and Paramount Builders last Firday.

The presentation was made at the American Samoa Red Cross headquarters in Tafuna.

According to remarks by Pastor Filifaatali Mike Fuiava, the donation is to show our sisters and brothers in California — who are victims of the fires — that they have fellow Christians here who care, and are thinking about them.

He said he is hopeful that other businesses, churches, schools, organizations and individuals will contribute.

The monetary donation was made in the presence of Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga; American Samoa Red Cross board chairman Vaito'a Hans Langkilde; and other local Red Cross board members and volunteers.

Paramount Builders owner Papalii Laulii Alofa — who is also the Manumalo Academy director — and his wife Leota Wanda, were accompanied to the presentation by Manumalo Baptist Church officials and members of the school's National Honor Society.

NHS president Aitulagi Alofa spoke on behalf of the school.

In his remarks, Governor Lolo thanked the school, church, and company for their generosity. He said that although giving is part of human nature, it is different when it comes to the Samoan culture.

Lolo said Samoans will give, even when they don't have any money in their pocket.

According to him, a Samoan will donate money today and then the next day, they will show up to the Governor's Office to ask for money to pay their electric bill.

Referring specifically to the $5,000 from the school, Lolo said it's a good thing to get the little ones used to the habit of giving.