The Australian High Commission has expressed deep gratitude to Solomon Islands’ Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church for its generous donation to victims of the recent bushfires at a special handover ceremony.

SDA Church President Pastor Silent Tovosia presented SBD$170,000 to Deputy High Commissioner Ms Sally-Anne Vincent. The funds will go to the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Australia to support those communities affected by the bushfires.

During the handover, Pastor Tovosia spoke of Solomon Islands’ strong connection with Australia, and how both countries supported each other as part of a wider family. He said he personally felt close to Australia, where he studied to be a surgeon, and this was just one of the many close links people from the SDA Church had with Australia.

The handover was attended by Pastor Robinson Diosi, the Honiara District Director and Chairman of the Organising Committee responsible for organising and coordinating fundraising activities, Deputy Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Derrick Mane, ADRA Country Director Mr Stephen Tasker, and representatives from the Australian High Commission.

Committee members Mr Jimmy Seuika, Mr James Teobasi, Pastor Irving Vagha, Mrs Alice Rore, Mr Alfred Ghemu, Dr Cedric Alependava, were also in attendance.

The SDA Church commenced their country wide two-week long Bushfire Appeal on Sunday 9 February. The campaign comprised a series of fundraising activities including a 24-hour donation drive supported by youth volunteers and church members, singing groups and a Grand Gospel Music Concert.

Deputy High Commissioner Ms Sally-Anne Vincent personally thanked the organising committee and church community involved in the Bushfire Appeal.

“Australia is deeply grateful for not only the monetary donations but all the time, thought, and effort that has gone into the different fundraising events over the past few weeks,” she said.

“We have been overwhelmed, and are deeply grateful, for the number of events that have been organised to support the bushfire victims.

“At the Australian High Commission here in Honiara, we have been personally touched by support from our Solomon Islands family, as so many of us have been impacted by the fires in one way or another.

“But it is not just the donations: we appreciate the words of support, prayers and the genuine concern for our families and friends. We cannot thank you enough for the time you have dedicated to assisting Australians in need.”

Source: Press Release