Luamanuvao Winnie Laban will tomorrow join local Pacific and church leaders in a visit to Farmers to view the truckloads of goods it is donating to families in Samoa and Tonga who lost their homes in the tsunami and to thank the company in person.
Farmers has filled three huge containers with goods, estimated to contain about 35 truckloads, to send to the two Pacific nations as part of its contribution to the recovery effort.
“Basic items such as cutlery, crockery pots and pans, sheets, beds, and clothes are being sent, which will be a real help to getting households back on their feet again,” Winnie Laban says.
“The Kiwi-owned company employs nearly 300 Samoan workers around the country and many of these workers’ families have been affected by the tragedy. The generous donation will be deeply appreciated by them.
“Farmers has also had collection boxes in all of its stores and has pledged to make a significant financial contribution, which will be acknowledged tomorrow.
Farmers stores have so far raised $165,000 through customer donations and has committed to match this amount dollar for dollar up to a maximum individual donation of $50. The collection of donations at stores will continue until Sunday.
“So many New Zealanders have dug deep to support our Samoan and Tongan families during this time of need. It has been truly heart-warming,” Winnie Laban said.
Media are welcome to join Winnie Laban and other Pacific leaders to view the goods being sent. Seventy per cent of the staff at the distribution centre are Samoan and many are related to victims of the tsunami and have been involved in supporting the Farmers’ contribution.
When: 9.30am tomorrow (October 9)
Where: Farmers Distribution Centre, 21 Laidlaw Way (off Ormiston Rd) East Tamaki, Auckland.
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