THE contributions to the Ashika Relief Fund, amounting to TOP$1,061,908.61, will be distributed to survivors and members of the families of those who died in the Ashika tragedy, on Friday, 5th March, 2010.

The distribution will be carried out during a Thanksgiving Service and Ceremony which will be held at the Fa'onelua Convention Center in Nuku'alofa, beginning at 4:00pm. Relatives of the deceased and the survivors have been invited to the ceremony, as well community leaders and dignitaries.

The Ashika Relief Fund was established by the Government in August 2009 to receive financial donations from Tonga and abroad towards the welfare of the families of those who died in the tragedy, as well as the survivors and their families. The Fund was placed under the control of a committee of Trustees made up of selected Church Leaders, chaired by Rev Dr. 'Ahio, Royal Chaplain and President of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga.

Humanitarian and financial assistance had already been provided soon after the tragedy by the Government, as well as community groups and organisations, to the families of the deceased and the survivors, to cater for their immediate needs. The Ashika Relief Fund was aimed at meeting the long term welfare needs of these families.

The Chairman of the Trustees of the Ashika Relief Fund, Rev. Dr. 'Ahio, said, "I wish to thank everyone here in Tonga and overseas who contributed to the Fund. In these difficult economic times, all your kindhearted donations are deeply appreciated. I pray that God will continue to shower His blessings upon all of you." PMO, 03/03/10.