Shoes for the Pacific Islands
In 2021 the Akanesi Mataitonga Trust donated 10,000 pairs of brand new trainers to the children of Tonga and the surrounding Pacific Islands. One of our Trustee’s – Frazer – walked carrying a weighted backpack around the Tongariro Northern Circuit over a period of 48 hours (normally 3-4 days’ hike). The weather was a real challenge, with temperatures hitting minus figures, but it was well worth the effort to provide the children of the South Pacific with a basic level of comfort and a ‘kick start’ to operate well at school and in their community.
Shoes were delivered to Tongatapu, Niue, Tokelau, Samoa, Fiji and the Cook Islands.
We received some media coverage in New Zealand:
10,000 pairs of shoes for children in the Pacific | RNZ
Frazer was also interviewed by PMN about this project. The interview can be heard here: Facebook
