THANK YOU FROM TONGA: Residents of Tonga impacted by tsunamis and volcanic eruptions with a Thank You sign to JRV for their kind donations; INSET: Sharnie Morris outside her home with another shipment of drums ready to go.
Local Forbes resident Sharnie Morris had been a regular visitor to Tonga, travelling twice a year before COVID struck. More recently, Sharnie has had to sadly watch on as the humble people of the tiny south-Pacific nation deal with not only the aftermath of the tsunami on 15 January but active volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai as well.
Not one for the spotlight, Sharnie along with some work colleagues have already shipped eight drums of necessities to the fledgling nation with 14 more to be transported. Transport costs have been generously covered by Brian Hogan of Telescope Tyres in Parkes. Inside the precious cargo, includes a raft of items purchased from KHub and donations from Jemalong Retirement Village residents and staff through to communities in Forbes, Parkes and Eugowra.
“I thought drums of clothes, shoes, toiletries and kitchenware items were a good place to start,” Sharnie said. “It has been a fantastic effort from everyone.”
Malakai Ahokava, an athlete for Team Tonga is assisting with the freight and has jumped on board, minimising shipping costs. The drums will leave Sydney on 11 March for Tonga and are expected to arrive on 11 April.
The volcano north of Tongatapu unexpectedly erupted on January 14, lasting more than 12 hours, with volcanic ash and gasses reaching more than 44kms in the air and creating waves 50 feet high. It was visible from a satellite in space.