donation

CEO for MEIDECC, Paula Pouvalu Ma’u received two 20-foot containers generously through the Neptune Pacific Direct Line Company on Wednesday.

The containers carry in total 2422 drinking water bottles (1 and 1.5 litre bottles).

The donation is to assist with the Government’s relief efforts, in response to the Hunga Tonga –Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami on 15 January 2022.

Neptune’s local agent in Tonga, Transam Tonga’s General Manager, Joe Paasi presented the donation.

The former world number one is working with Unicef to provide medical supplies and development kits.

Russia's attack on Ukraine has so far seen more than two million people flee the country.

The three-time Grand Slam winner, who is an ambassador for Unicef UK, said: "It's vital education continues, so Unicef is working to enable access to learning for displaced children, as well as supporting the rehabilitation of damaged schools, together with replacement equipment and furniture."

In presenting the donation, the Local Director for USP-CI, Dr Akanisi Kedrayate, articulated that Spring Festival is a time of joy, feasting, goodwill, and sharing gifts with friends and loved ones.

She said staff felt that it was important to particularly remember our colleagues, students, and Tongan community suffering from the effects of the volcanic eruption and tsunami on 15 January.

President David Panuelo approved the assistance from the General Fund of the FSM.

“To the People & Kingdom of Tonga, the people & Government of the FSM extend to you peace, friendship, cooperation, and love in our common humanity. You are with us in our hearts and minds, and we pray for your swift recovery. In the meantime, we extend to you our Blue Pacific solidarity and unity,” he said.

The World Bank said the violent volcanic eruption, tsunami and ashfall in Tonga has caused an estimated $US 90.4 million in damages.

The Australian actress, 52, made a brief appearance at a pre-Golden Globes event in Los Angeles on Saturday (US time), looking visibly upset.

Kidman's representative told Us Magazine that the couple are "keeping a close eye" on their rural property, which is "under threat" from the NSW wildfires. 

The Oscar winner refused red carpet interviews, saying she was "so distracted".

"I'm so sorry. I'm so distracted right now with everything that's happening in Australia," she apologised, according to attendees.