New Zealand Latter-day Saints responded to a request from fellow Church members in Vanuatu over the weekend, donating over 2,000 white shirts for men and boys to wear to Sunday worship services.
24 hours after a request for white shirts was announced last Sunday (29 March) to Latter-day Saint congregations throughout the Auckland area, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated 2,000 white shirts to men and boys living in Vanuatu.
The shirts will be sent to Vanuatu this week on a ship loaded with other relief supplies including 1,400 food boxes.
White shirts were requested by local Church leaders in Vanuatu after many of the members lost their clothing when Cyclone Pam struck their nation earlier this month.
The shirts were requested on Friday and by Monday afternoon the requested shirts were boxed and loaded ready for shipment.
Humanitarian specialist Elder Gary Winters called the effort "an impressive response to a requested need.”
Last week the Church provided hand-powered sewing machines and fabric to several Vanuatu congregations and communities so other clothes can be sewn.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are taught from an early age to follow the Saviour's example of loving and serving others.
Church teachings also focus on helping individuals and families become self-reliant so they are in a better position to assist others when needs arise.