Donations needed to help Samoa rebuild

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, through its Community Enterprise Foundation™, has partnered with the Rotary Club of Bendigo to launch the Samoan Tsunami Appeal.

The Rotary Club of Bendigo has kicked off this appeal with a $10,000 donation.

Colin Burns, the chairman of the Rotary Club’s Rebuilding Samoa Committee, has called on Australian’s to support their island-neighbours by donating today.

The tsunami has affected about 15,000 people with more than 150 people confirmed dead.

Tragically, this toll is expected to rise as the clean up process continues.

“Your generous donations will go towards helping those affected by the natural disaster in the hard task of rebuilding their lives and communities,” he said.

Mr Burns said Rotarians have a long-standing and warm relationship with the Samoan people-a friendship formed after a number of cyclones hit Samoa in 1992.

“The country was ravaged by cyclones and in response to a request for assistance a number of Rotarians volunteered to go to Samoa.

“We were overwhelmed by the devastation but also by the kind-hearted locals who welcomed us with open arms.

“We feel a real sense of urgency to get back to Samoa and do what we can to assist,” he said.

To donate, visit any Bendigo Bank branch or log onto the Bendigo Bank website www.bendigobank.com.au/foundation. Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.