The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sending emergency supplies to communities on the Kiribati islands of Tamana and Arorae which are still recovering from last month’s Cyclone Pam.
Latter-day Saint leader, Iotua Tune, said the donated supplies include 200 44lb bags of rice, 200 pails of biscuits, 200 cartons of 1.5 litre bottles of fresh water, and four bales of clothing – two for males and two for females.
The donations will be taken by boat, the M.V. Nakoraoi, and should arrive at the islands later this week.
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At a luncheon this week to mark the humanitarian initiative, the Vice President of Kiribati, Ms Teima Onorio, in her capacity as a Member of Parliament for Arorae, and Member of Parliament for Tamana, Mr Matiota Kairo, were presented with certificates listing the donations being sent to the islands.
Latter-day Saint self-reliance service missionary, Kelly Waldron, said: “This donation is intended to express the Church’s love and concern for the people on those islands.”
Both government leaders expressed their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the Church’s generosity to their people during this time of need.
“This generous donation,” said Ms Onorio, “will enable the affected communities to have a continuing supply of food and clothes to wear while rebuilding their homes and cleaning up debris.”
Mr Kairo concluded, “We will communicate with the Island Council Mayors to receive the supplies when the boat arrives and distribute to the people who are in most need of assistance.”