Araura Enua (Rarotonga) sets up appeal to help with Aitutaki recovery

A Fundraising Appeal to help those affected by Cyclone Pat in Aitutaki will be held on Friday 19 February 2010. Secretary of the Araura Enua Association in Rarotonga Mona Ioane, is appealing to all Aitutaki people and any others willing to assist living in Rarotonga from the Aronga Mana, MP’s, religious, sports and community organizations to get behind this important fundraising event in an effort to provide much needed assistance for our people who were affected by the recent impact of Cyclone Pat.
A meeting has been called for Monday 15 February at the Aitutaki Hostel in Takamoa at 4.30pm to organize the Appeal. Ioane is asking that everyone who is willing to volunteer and support this worthwhile event attend. Even if you are not Aitutakian but are willing to offer your services, you are most welcome.
“Many of our families and friends would have been affected by the aftermath of the cyclone so we will be going all out to do our bit to help. We will also be co-ordinating with our Aitutaki communities in Australia and NZ seeking their assistance and support at this particular time but have yet to decide how but we will be guided by the appropriate authorities,” said Ioane.
“Right now, we are hoping to co-ordinate our efforts with government and Aid agencies but more importantly, appealing to our own families to support this Fundraising Appeal from the bottom of your hearts because this cyclone has affected all of us and not just the people on Aitutaki alone. It is important at a time like this, that we all come together irrespective of political, religious and personal boundaries and to show the true spirit of Tumu Enua of which we are proudly known for.”
“In addition to the Appeal, we will also be seeking to offer assistance of manpower where appropriate to show our own people that we are there and willing to help. I have been approached by many of our people with requests to help but I would urge that we wait until we are advised exactly what is required before responding.”
“I can appreciate at a time like this that everyone will be stunned by what has happened which often leads to confusion and uncertainty but seeing your own, helps reduce the anxiety and frustration which no doubt our people will be feeling. Right now, I would imagine that skilled labour is a priority especially in the technical areas so I would encourage those of our people with these skills to ready themselves if called to assist at short notice.”
“Come to the meeting on Monday afternoon so that we can finalize how we intend to organize the Fundraising Appeal on the 19th and to receive an update on what is happening in Aitutaki.”