A donation of $5100 pa’anga was made to the Alonga Adult Disabled Centre, at Pea on December 8. 

Tongan artist Uili Lousi collaborated with the New Zealand High Commissioner HE Sarah Walsh in this initiative and presented the cheque to Lavinia Satini, the center’s coordinator with residents present. The amount was raised from the sales of artwork by Lousi.

Lavinia was grateful for the donation, said this would make a really good Christmas for them and assist with their daily operation.

Ms Walsh said the exhibition was held last week at a home in Nuku’alofa where they collaborated and a group of people came together and appreciated the artwork and made purchases.

She said being able to donate from the sales was the right thing to do as they very much appreciated the work of staff here, especially during Christmas time as people in this center needs to have a sense of family and support.

Lousi who lives in New Zealand was grateful to the High Commissioner for the opportunity to come to Tonga.

"It's a real blessing being here at the center, its something else and it moves me," he said.