Two 20ft containers filled with donations of relief items are being sent to Tonga’s National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) to distribute to those impacted by the January volcano and tsunami event.

The containers were organized by the Tongan community in Brisbane, under the Pili e Tauhala National Committee (Tonga Tsunami Relief Group). The Pili e Tauhala is guided by Tonga’s High Commissioner to Australia, HRH Princess Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho.

Brisbane Tongan Community Public Officer, Sulieni Layt said the containers are expected to arrive in Nukuʻalofa in early May 2022.

The donations include children’s clothing, tools, non-perishable food items, white goods, clothing, bedding linens and other items.

Sulieni acknowledged charities such as Uniforms 4 Kids for donating children’s clothing repurposed from law enforcement and emergency services and Australia Zoo, as well as Destiny Mission to PNG Children charity for donating 400 pieces of summer wear, 200 blankets and 180 winter wear.

Members of the community are sending over 80 drums filled with tools, non-perishable food items, white goods, clothing, bedding linens and other items.

Next month, another two 20ft shipping containers will be sent for the people of ʻEua and Kanokupolu, including 87 boxes of relief from the people of Norfolk Island.