Rebuild after Cyclone Gita in Tonga

Hello my name is Evelyn McColl. My house in Vaini, Nukualofa was badly damaged by Cyclone Gita. It is located on our families Coconut plantation near the sea. The roof and framing was blown off a blew out to sea.

Due to the roof being blown off all the interior of the house has been damaged. All the walls need to be relined, the kitchen replaced, all the wiring needs to be redone and the furniture replaced, it’s a big job! All the money raised from this givealittle page will go to rebuilding of my home.

In Tonga there is no house or contents insurance. Everyone needs to rebuild themselves which is why I’m fundraising. If you are able to help me, then I would be grateful.

I have lived in New Zealand for 52 years but have been returning to my homeland of Tonga to visit family and help with the Community. My long term goal would be to take all knowledge I have learnt over the last 15 years of working in the Mt Roskill and Mt Albert Communities helping people to loose weight, get healthy and reduce diabetes through diet and exercise. I teach 7 classes of fitness and aqua aerobics a week with 30 – 40 people in each. Through their commitment and mine we have turned their life around with good health.

Whenever I am in Tonga I help my family and local community to exercise and get healthy. In the years to come I plan to create large gardens with fresh produce, write exercise plans and get people moving.

15 years ago I was hospitalised with a cancerous tumor that lead me to having a heart attack. The tumor had caused diabetes. I didn’t eat sugar, I have never consumed alcohol or smoked, I lead a healthy life and wasn’t overweight.

Through a well planned diet and exercise plan my life has turned around. I believe it is my job to share and help others. By helping me rebuild my home in Vaini will help me help the community.

I thank you for your generosity.