(PRESS SECRETARIAT); Government remains firm on its resolve to support the Samoa Cancer Society’s mission to provide every possible treatment available for local cancer patients.
The commitment from government was cemented Thursday evening by Acting Prime Minister Lautafi Selafi Purcell in his address to officially launch the “Bluesky Shave, Save or Dye It” Fundraising drive by the Society at the Taumesina Resort to raise funds to support its calling.
Saying that government is pleased with the on-going working partnership with the Samoa Cancer Society, the Acting Prime Minister noted that government is adamant with its continued to provide funding for a “patient support officer,” a crucial staff member of the Society.
“The government is fully committed to supporting Cancer Patient Care and we strive to ensure the best treatment is made available locally and overseas for cancer patients,” continued Lautafi.
”We are committed to ensuring the latest state of the art treatment and facility are available for our Cancer Patients.
“Just today I signed approvals for no less than 4 patients to go to India for treatment.
“The Government also supports all global efforts and research towards finding a cure for cancer.”
In officially launching the event, the Acting Prime Minister officially started the ball rolling with a personal donation of $1,000 tala.
To reaffirm the government’s support, Education, Sports and Culture Minister Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio jump started the shaving surpassing his $10,000 tala target.
Information, Communication and Technology Minister Afamasaga Rico Tupai absent that evening as he was overseas for official commitment delivered as promise by shaving his hair Friday morning.
And he has more than surpassed his target with his colleague Loau collecting well over $20,000 donated with more still rolling in.
And from there, it was history in the making as supporters had no problem stepping in to shave their hair bald for the sake of eradicating cancer.
The night ended with the Society collecting $88,000.00.
However the final count is far from over. And the Cancer Society is optimistic that we will reach more than $100,000.00 all made possible from donations made through bank transfers.
For those who have not handed in their pledges the final day is 13th of July, 2018.
