Distribution this week of truckloads of food supplies donated by 'Help Tonga Switzerland' has reached pver 300 vulnerable and affected families on Tongatapu in the aftermath of the volcanic eruption and tsunamis.

The distribution, started on 10 May for 170 families in Kolomotu'a, Sopu and families of the 'Atata Island community who are living at one of the church halls, at this constituency. 

Today the distribution reached 145 families in Patangata and Siesia. 

Claudia Urban, a Director of Seaview Lodge and Restaurant is carrying out the distributions on the ground with helpers, including her husband Soane Fakatava and Hansi Müller.

Tongatapu 1 People's Representative, Tevita Puloka, acknowledged this generous assistance to those affected at this constituency. Town and district officers also helped out.

The food handed out for each family included 1x flour bag (25kg), 1x sugar bag (50kg), cooking oil and loaves of bread.

Claudia said they were very thankful to 'Help Tonga Switzerland' for this support to supply the food.

“Families we have reached have expressed their gratitude,” she said.

Food distibution had also been made to 'Eua.

Help Tonga 

'Help Tonga Switzerland' is a Swiss Non-Profit organization initiated to provide direct assistance to Tonga, after the natural disasters on 15 January. 

The founder is Luka Müller, Tonga's Honorary Consul in Switzerland, his wife and TV moderator Sandra Studer, and the former Swiss Ambassador to Tonga David Vogelsanger. 

Müller who is also the owner of Seaview Lodge has close family ties to Tonga. His great-grandfather emigrated to Tonga at the end of the 19^th century. Both his grandfather and father were born in Tonga.

The organization in coordinating with local partners is assisting in three phases, with the first one being the provision of immediate help to Tonga, including this food distribution.

Other assistance is expected to include providing funds to procure building, repair and cleaning equipment and other long term support, in the latter phases.