Help families impacted by COVID-19 with a Pasifika food pack.
Liz Sio shares the heartfelt struggle experienced by families affected by COVID-19:
“… others felt the pressure within the home and could hear the silent cries through the walls”.
Our vulnerable have suffered, especially our elderly and solo mums. The struggle is keenly felt with those: who are self-isolating, who have lost jobs, and those who have lost income despite the 80% wage subsidy. Most of their pay goes to high rents and power bills leaving little to pay other bills and food. It's a sad and dark cycle.
A father who gratefully received a Pasifika customised food pack, shares his story, one that is typical of many parents.
“From the start of lock down I felt sorry for my kids, they always run to the cupboards to get what they want to eat but after the second week and empty cupboards they kept asking “daddy where’s the food. I was in tears. I was frustrated. I was stressed. I was thinking why did we leave the islands, come here just work and pay bills and can’t afford to buy food for my four kids".
"We had to use whatever food we had before the lockdown. My pay is less 20% but I still need to pay rent, power and other bills. I got some help from food banks and the government but we were still short. When we received our food pack, we were so thankful and happy because it was enough food for two weeks. Thank you Failoa Famili I thank God for helping us!”
The value of a food pack is $300 and includes bulk food items familiar to Pasifika families that will last for up to two weeks. We work with local supermarkets so food is fresh, packed and delivered by our mobile team of volunteers.
Our COVID-19 response with Pasifika customized food packs has helped 500 families across Auckland in the past two weeks.
Sadly, we have many more families still waiting for food packs.
You can help by donating here.
Thank you, Fa'afetai tele lava, Malo 'aupito!
UNITED AGAINST COVID-19 – TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.