Samoa trip for gems who raised $92,000 for relief

Ellen Irvine | 6th May 2010

Papamoa children Liam Porter and Emily Pol warmed the hearts of the nation last year when they raised over $92,000 with their "pocket money"for the Samoan tsunami relief fund.

Now, the community is returning the favour to the youngsters, by raising money for them to travel to Samoa to see how the money they raised helped rebuild the island nation.

Merilynn Crean, of Papamoa House of Travel, said a customer had approached the business in February with the idea.

"He was so impressed with what they had done, and it grew from that. We decided it was a great idea."

With the support of the children's parents, the campaign to get them to Samoa for three nights in September was launched.

The original donor has pledged $100, while House of Travel has donated $500, and BNZ will fund the flights.

Aggie Grey's Resort in Apia has donated accommodation, breakfast and transport in Samoa.

Mrs Crean said Liam and Emily's campaign had moved the community.

"What they did touched people's hearts," she said. "I think it's because of their age and how much they raised, and that they are local. Papamoa is very community-minded.

"I think people will think it's amazing that they can go and actually see how that money helped the Samoan families."

Liam and Emily, both 8, planned to visit schools and donate school supplies while in Samoa.

Liam's mother Amanda Porter said the children "couldn't believe it" when they heard about the trip.

"I think it will be really good for them to see what the money they raised did, and to be able to see the whole process through," she said. "It will be really good for them to go over there and see the classrooms and the children."

Mrs Porter said the whole experience had given the children a new empathy towards others.

"They seem to pay a lot more attention to other things going on in the world."

The children's fundraising appeal began when Liam decided to give his pocket money to a tsunami relief fund.

With Emily on board, the pair challenged all Kiwi kids to do the same, and opened a bank account.

BNZ donated $25,000 to the account, and has indicated it will also offer to help with the Samoa trip.

The pair received national attention, including a spot on Breakfast with Paul Henry. The campaign snowballed, and in December a cheque for $92,996 was given to the Red Cross.

House of Travel Papamoa is collecting donations towards the children's Samoan trip. Any additional funds will given to the Red Cross and towards  supplies for the schools the children will visit.