65km for Tonga

On Sunday 16th January 2022 at around 5pm, a volcano erupted 65km from Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga.

The eruption of Mt Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai produced ash clouds, acid rain and tsunami waves which destroyed land, crops and homes.

Water is now undrinkable and most agriculture is ruined so Tonga is facing food shortage and reliant on outside help. The submarine cable which connected phones and internet was severed so contact with loved ones offshore is also limited.

As a Tongan who was raised there for the first 14 years of my life, I feel helpless knowing I can't travel to help my parents, sister and the people. So, I thought of another way.

This Sunday 6 February, I will be attempting to run 65km to raise funds for non-perishable food and essential items for Tonga.

These will be added to one or more of the outgoing shipping containers as arranged by our Wellington Tongan Community and sent to Tonga over the next fortnight. (12th February, 2022 - We also have the option to send the money directly to a reliable source in Tonga so they can purchase exactly what affected families need).

Aucklanders have already donated generously so hopefully Wellington can follow suit.

Also, I'm seriously NOT a runner. The longest I have ever run is 6km.

However, if a Tongan man grasped on to a floating log for 24 hours amongst tsunami waves and lived, and if the Tongan people are breathing sulfur dioxide, then running and catching my breath is of no comparison - struggle vs survival.

Appreciate your support.

“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”- Winston Churchill