Community and Christmas cheer

Holiday cheer is coming a little early for 36 lucky students of Aoga Fiamalamalama School.

Thanks to a joint effort by the Rotaract Club of Apia (R.C.O.A.) and Westpac Bank the Christmas Giving Tree is once again on proud display in the foyer of the Bank’s main branch.

R.C.O.A.’s Community Service Director Josie Chan Ting said the project was a part of the Club’s annual community service.

“The Giving Tree in particular is our way of engaging with the community and giving back to them,” she said. “While at the same time spreading the Christmas spirit with the wider public.” Westpac’s Business Manager Michelle Lemisio said the initiative was one way the Bank gave back to the people of Samoa. “It is part of our community service initiative that we do every year,” she said. Ms Chan Ting said the joint project had been running since 2011 with past recipients including schools such as Loto Taumafai and also families.

“All you need to do is to come into Westpac and choose a tag from the tree,” she said. “Written on the tag is the age and gender of the student plus a gift suggestion. It is just a suggestion, but people can buy whatever they feel is appropriate for the age and gender that they choose."

“After you buy the gift, wrap it, put the tag back on the present and then return it to Westpac and place it under the tree.”

Ms. Chan Ting said the gifts would be presented to the students on December 12.

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