When Mocamana, an association created to defend and care for New Caledonia’s forests, recently requested assistance from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help clean up a forest, “Mormon Helping Hands” volunteers responded with willing hands and happy hearts.
According to Sonia Hotere, New Caledonia public affairs director for the Church, “This is not the first time for members of the Church to combine an activity with Mocamana. In fact, the members helped plant those trees last year.”
A dozen local Latter-day Saints and just as many missionaries helped Mocamana at their site on Nouville, with a spectacular view of nearby islets.
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“It’s very refreshing,” said Léa Kerzreho, Mocamana’s event coordinator, “to see so many people come to help and being so happy about doing it as they laughed and joked while working. We don’t get that kind of help often.”
President of Mocamana association, Christine Pӧllabauer, expressed gratitude to the volunteers: “Thank you so much for coming and helping us take care of one of God’s gardens in New Caledonia. You’ve helped us accomplish a lot in just three hours. We are so grateful.”
The response coming back was simply, “We were happy to serve!”
At the conclusion of the service project government official Francoise SUVE provided sandwiches and watermelons for the Helping Hands group.
“Beautiful scenery, beautiful sunny day, beautiful smiles and great positive energy were the ingredients of a successful service,” said Sonia Hotere.