An Australian community charity, the Nerang Men’s Shed and other Men's Sheds on the Gold Coast, have collected tools to assist households in Tonga devastated by the Hunga Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunamis in January.

The tools as well as other donated items including children’s books and toys, fishing gear, and household items were transported from Nerang to Brisbane last month.

Max Hayton from the Nerang Men’s Shed told Matangi Tonga the donations were organnized by “a sturdy bunch of blokes with hearts in the right place”.

A Men’s Shed is a community-based, non-commercial organization found all over Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. Men’s sheds provide a place where men can feel included and safe with the aim to improve the health and wellbeing of their members.

Max said as a charity they can't charge for work, but they do lots of jobs fixing things for people and making things for donations. 

“For instance a real estate company might want a dozen cutting boards to give away. The Shed will do it for a donation. They will fix things for elderly people.”

The donations will be shipped to Tonga through the Someone Who Cares Charity, a non-profit organization in Australia.

Someone Who Cares CEO, Del Cole confirmed to Matangi Tonga earlier this week that the container of donations is scheduled to depart Brisbane on 20 April.

"These donations are to be received and distributed by the charity of HM Queen Nanasipau’u to those in need following the devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami."

Meanwhile, Brisbane Tongan Community Public Officer, Sulieni Layt said the Tongan community is working with other stakeholders, including Norfolk Island, QLD Lions Club and community members to send further donations to Tonga.

He confirmed the Brisbane Tongan Community are sending donations as part of the Pili e Tauhala National Committee (Tonga Tsunami Relief Group), guided by Tonga’s High Commissioner to Australia, HRH Princess Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho.

“There are monthly containers (two per month) from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.”

Containers have already been sent to Her Majesty's Relief Fund, Nomuka and NEMO.

These donations are reported to the Pili e Tauhala National Committee, chaired by HRH Princess Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho.