January 25 – Support is gathering for the Oceania Football Confederation’s campaign to support Tonga following the devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami which hit the country.
The ‘Li’oa Ma’a Tonga’ (Give your all, for Tonga) campaign has been picked up by the OFC’s neighbouring Asian Football Confederation (AFC) that is mobilising support through its own members and encouraging donations via the official Givealittle page which will be managed by the OFC.
AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John said: “The AFC stands hand-in-hand with our sister Confederation, the OFC, and people of Tonga during this challenging time of crisis.
“Football has immense power to uplift communities and it is essential that we, as the Asian football community, extend our support to those who need us the most and the AFC encourages everyone to stand in solidarity with Tonga.”
Funds raised will go towards repairing homes, securing essential equipment such as generators and assisting children with psychosocial recovery, health and safety and emergency kits through the OFC Emergency Programme.
“Our thoughts are with everyone in Tonga following this devastating event,” OFC General Secretary Franck Castillo said.
“Many of the football communities like Atatā have been heavily impacted and entire homes completely wiped out. As the full extent of the damage continues to be discovered, we want to make sure we are doing our part to assist in efforts to rebuild the livelihoods in Tonga…
“OFC are committed to standing alongside Tonga. We vow to continue to foster unity and solidarity through football and in all that we do.”
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