Please help Morris recover his tourist business in Vanuatu following the cyclone.

In 2018, Jim and I went on holiday to Vanuatu and visited Tanna Island to see Mt Yasur volcano. Tanna island is a traditional community - they live in huts and eat from the land. They have very little in the way of resources. We chose to stay with local Morris Poita and his adorable family at their home-based business, Volcano Island Paradise Bungalows. The setting is amazing, with Mt Yasur rumbling nearby and the opportunity to live like the locals felt really special. Morris, his wife and their children were all great hosts and could not do enough for us.

We kept in touch with Morris for years after we returned to NZ and then in March 2023 Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin hit. They devastated Vanuatu and Tanna island was hit the hardest. We lost all communication with Morris and had no idea whether he and his family were ok. Finally, in December 2023, we reconnected after communications were restored to the island. He told me that they were all safe but that there was little food as crops had been destroyed, and his solar power had been damaged. He was trying to re-build his tourist business which is his only means of financial income.

I want to try and help Morris restore his solar power panels so that he can again welcome guests to this magical place. He needs 70,000 Vatu which is roughly NZ$1000 and I'm confident that between us we can make it happen. Whatever you can give will help and he will be eternally grateful. If you ever get change to visit him, go!