Samoa Responded Well to Toa Samoa Fundraising

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 20 DECEMBER 2022: The country has responded well by pledging much to support the Toa Samoa fundraiser last Saturday.

More than $200,000 tala was collected from the pledges not counting the donations already received prior to the fundraiser on Saturday.

It is not sure yet how much was pledged from overseas and from locals.

Rugby League Samoa Secretary Tuiletufuga Fritz Tuiavii said they were meeting last night to finalize the amount collected.

“Donations are still coming in as we speak and we are overwhelmed by the response of the people,” said Tuiletufuga.

The fundraiser is to support the Toa Samoa team’s homecoming visit to Apia next week.

Overseas supporters flying the Samoan flags.

Toa Samoa made history as the first Tier 2 and Pacific island nation to reach the finals in the Rugby League World Cup last month.

That teams achievements set off an unprecedented world-wide campaign in support of Toa Samoa in their final match against defending champion Australia.

Toa Samoa lost but they received a hero’s welcome when they returned to Australia.

Samoa is counting the days to Toa Samoa’s arrival on 27 December and the locals are looking forward to the big parade planned for the team and activities scheduled while they are here.

Tuiletufuga said the country will soon know of their kindness and support once they finalize the total amount collected from the weekend’s fundraiser.