The Canadian Navy ship HMCS Winnipeg in Tonga this morning July 31, made a difference in the lives of women and children who seek refuge at the Tonga National Centre for Women and Children by donating USD$4,000 and over 100 stuffed toys.

Commodore Robert Ferguson and MS Karrie Kowalyk handed over their donation and toys to 'Ofa Likiliki, the General Manager of the TNCWC on board the ship.

Cmdr Ferguson said that Karrie initiated the donation and the ships' 230 crew raised the money. The toys were personally donated by Karrie's 10-year-old nephew.

Karrie said her nephew was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and wanted to make a difference in the lives of children on the other side of the world therefore donated his stuffed toy animals.

'Ofa thanked the Commordore, Karrie and the crew of Winnipeg for "the tremendous donation which greatly supports the centre's strive towards eliminating all types of violence against women and children in Tonga."

She said from January to June this year, a total of 168 women and children sought help and refuge at the centre, which has a safe house.

'Ofa added with the money they would be able to build a playground for the children at the safe house and because toys are few, this will gift will bring them great joy, she added.

HMCS Winnipeg is on its first port call to Tonga and the crew will be taking part in the King's Birthday Military Parade tomorrow at Mala'e Pangai.

The ship is in Tonga for three days departing on August 3 bound for its home base at Victoria, British Columbia.