2:05pm Monday 5th October 2009
By St Helens Star newsdesk
FRIENDS of Saints' contingent of South Sea Islanders have been affected by the devastating tsunami that hit the Samoan islands and Tonga.
The club said today Maurie Fa’asavalu, Francis Meli and Tony Puletua were backing a relief effort for the disaster zone that has claimed the lives of more than 150 people.
They are hoping Saints fans can help do their bit to support the humanitarian aid effort.
The trio helped Saints defeat Wigan to reach the Grand Final at the weekend but the joy of reaching Old Trafford was tempered by the misery many of their relatives and friends are enduring back in their homeland.
Fa’asavalu, a former Samoan rugby union international, told the Saints website: “Many of the players have family and friends in the region and we’ve been following the tragic events closely.
“The relief effort is now on and I’d be very proud if Saints fans could help out.
“We know people who have lost their homes, businesses and livelihoods. It’s going to be a long road to recovery and our homelands needs the world’s support.”
Puletua captained Samoa, in a team that also featured Meli, during, last year’s Rugby League World Cup.
Saints fans can donate to the appeal directly through the Saints superstores at the GPW Recruitment Stadium and town centre.
Schools and local community groups will have the chance to buy a Saints away shirt with a unique message signed by the trio of South Sea Islanders.
A certificate of authorisation will also be given for the limited edition shirts.
All funds raised will be directly to the British Red Cross which has launched an appeal to support emergency relief operations after a series of disasters in Asia Pacific.
Money raised by the appeal will support Red Cross National Societies responding on the ground.
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