Unity unites in support for Tonga

Posted May 2022

On 15 January 2022, the eruption of Tongan volcano Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha‘apai, just 65 kilometres from the capital of Nuku‘alofa, devastated more than 100,000 people who live there.

Work continues; to clear the thick layer of ash that blanketed everything, to establish clean water supplies and to recover from the crop damage.  The cost is estimated to be nearly 39 million Tongan pa‘anga (NZ$23 million).

Recognising immediately that our Pacific Island friends needed support for long-term reconstruction and recovery, the Unity team joined together in a fundraising frenzy.  Their fundraising contributions were to be matched, dollar for dollar, by Unity Credit Union.

We are very happy to announce that Unity has now completed a donation to match the money raised by our team of $10,479.39 to UNICEF.  Bringing the total collectively raised for Tongan children and families to $20,958.78!

We’re so proud of the efforts made by our amazing Unity team throughout Aotearoa. A reflection of our ongoing commitment to the credit union ethos of people helping people.

If you would like to help support children and families recover from the volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga, visit https://www.unicef.org.nz/appeal/tonga-emergency