By Finau Fonua

An exhausting week-long walkathon around Ha’apai, ‘Eua, Vava’u and Tongatapu was completed last week by Frazer Mataitonga from the ‘Akanesi Mataitonga Trust. Frazer agreed to perform the challenge as part of a fundraiser to help Tonga's ‘Ofa Tui ‘Amanaki Centre,  that supports handicapped children.

Frazer –  a former British soldier –  told Matangi Tonga, “One of our biggest donors said they would help us if I walked the whole of Tonga, starting from Vava’u all the way to Ha’apai, ‘Eua and Tongatapu. We went with that idea and we used it as a sponsorship and a lot of companies jumped in, donating a lot of stuff.”

The fundraiser secured funds for the donation of a container of goods to the ‘Ofa Tui ‘Amanaki Centre. The container, delivered last week, was received with a ceremony at the Tonga Red Cross office in Nuku’alofa on the last day of Frazer’s walkathon, Saturday 20 January. 

Frazer stated, “It’s just full of educational stuff; pens, books, paper, school bags, two big flat screen TVs, tablets with programs for these kids to use....We put in a trampoline, swimming pool, indoor toys and outdoors toys.”

“We provided school uniforms, just so the kids can have a sense of belonging. We also put in a lot of different food to help out with their lunches.”

The ‘Akanesi Mataitonga Trust was founded in 2015 by the children of the late ‘Akanesi Mataitonga: Pila, Frazer and Meleane. Frazer said his mother had an interest in helping the disabled.

“My mum was always dedicated to helping disabled kids. It was one of those things that she would always be talking to us about, once you get somewhere in life always remember the disabled. She’s always wanted us to give back to the community.”

“Last year we decided to commit to the OTA, so we came here and had a chat with them to see what needed to be done and what the kids would like. We noticed that they had no outdoor playground, so one part of our project was to build a playground.”

“Some of the kids are just amazing, they’ve got some disability with them but yet they're some of the happiest kids that you will ever see. Whenever I come over, there’s this little kid who always runs over and hugs me.”