Volunteers pack relief items for flood affected families

On Good Friday, a group of young volunteers, some of whom had been affected by the floods, packed World Vision relief items destined for flood affected families.

Steven Baega, of Burns Creek, had a house full of mud and a damaged garden after the flood.

“We now have no crops to sell at the market to support our families. I’m helping to pack kits to set a good example to other youth who are not yet involved in this type of program. To be a good citizen means you help each other in times like this,” said Steven.

Another volunteer, Joe Keniratoa of Mosquito community, has also been impacted by the floods. “The flood covered our gardens. I am a backyard farmer. Growing vegetables is my main source of income. It will take some time to recover. I decided to volunteer because I experienced the disaster. This sort of work will help other people who have been affected,” said Joe.

Some 1,000 family kits and 1,000 shelter kits were packed over the Easter period. “The family kits are for those who have lost their possessions, and shelter kits are for those whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged by the flood,” said Dr Andrew Catford, World Vision Solomon Islands Country Director.

Family kits contain mosquito nets, cooking pots, soap, rope and other essentials items. Shelter kits contain a shovel, crowbar, file, hammer and nails, amongst other items, which will help people rebuild their homes.

“The volunteers are doing a great job. We really appreciate their help. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people still waiting for assistance. The development actors are doing all they can to get relief to those who need it,” said Dr Catford.

To follow World Vision’s work on the flood response become their friend.