LOCAL students studying in various universities in Fiji have raised a total of FJD$4,805.00 equivalent to SBD$18,099.23 towards the victims of the recent tropical cyclone Winston.
This was made known to the Solomon Star by the President of the Solomon Islands Students Association (SISA) at USP, Laucala campus.
Richard Hou said the money raised was from a small fundraising event, after the executive has agreed to be part of the support towards the communities that were affected by the tropical cyclone.
“Due to the understanding that, the students too have been affected by Winston, the SISA Executive has agreed that they give in $5 to $20 as a simple fundraising drive which will not allow them to go out or being disturbed from their studies.
“Secondly, this fundraising arrangement was organized through the 10 students’ ethnic groups like Temotu (TSA), Makira/Ulawa (MUSA), Guadalcanal (GSA), Central Islands (CISA), Isabel (ISA), Western (WSA), Lauru (LSA), Ma’asina SA, Central Malaita (CMSA), and North Malaita (NMSA).
“The total amount of money being collected was $4, 8055.00,” Mr Hou said.
The President added that the money was now handed over to the High Commissioner (HC) of Solomon Islands to Fiji His Excellency Mr Patterson Oti, at his office in Suva, on Tuesday.
“An arrangement is now made from his office so that the money can be deposited in the bank and after, the Bank will pay us a Bank draft through the office of the HC.
“Later, the HC office will again arrange with the Fiji Disaster Office and will inform the SISA executive for an official hand over to the Fiji Disaster Responsible authority,” Mr Hou added.
Meanwhile, Mr Hou on behalf of the SISA executive also wish to thank all the cultural leaders and SISA families at USP, FSM, and FNU for their kind contribution towards the appeal to support those who have been badly affected by the recent cyclone here in Fiji.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
