• Moana Pasifika to Dedicate its 2022 Super Rugby Pacific Game on Earth Day April 22nd to #TongaStrong
• EarthX to Host Island Resilience Summit on Earth Day, Bringing Together Island Leaders to Build New Partnerships That Achieve Climate Goals and Raise Funds for #TongaStrong
Moana Pasifika and principal team sponsor EarthX announced their first collaborative initiative, #TongaStrong, a joint-fundraising campaign designed to support the Tonga people as they rebuild their communities in the aftermath of January’s volcanic eruption. The campaign supports efforts to rebuild sustainable and equitable infrastructure that will withstand future environmental challenges. Funds raised through #TongaStrong will go to support Habitat for Humanity New Zealand’s ongoing work in Tonga.
As part of the campaign, Moana Pasifika will dedicate its 2022 Super Rugby Pacific Game in Melbourne on Friday April 22nd to #TongaStrong, continuing the club’s commitment to its founding mission to support Pasifika communities. Under the banner “Rugby Rebuilds Tonga,” Moana Pasifika calls on Super Rugby Pacific clubs—and the world rugby community—to rally together to support the people of Tonga.
“Moana Pasifika is unlike any sports franchise in the world in that it was founded as a not-for-profit with a mission to champion the awesome power of Pasifika people and culture,” Moana Pasifika CEO Pelenato Sakalia said. “#TongaStrong is the perfect embodiment of that mission—as well as a demonstration of the strength and potential of our partnership with EarthX.”
On Earth Day, EarthX will host an Island Resilience Summit as part of Earthx2022, the world’s largest green gathering held in Dallas, Texas, in the United States. The Summit convenes high-level island nation ambassadors, ministers, and heads of state to promote new collaborations around island and ocean sustainability, small island developing states (SIDS) partnerships, and solutions for long-term community resilience. The Summit continues EarthX’s commitment to building partnerships and mobilizing support around island communities on the front lines of climate change.
“We’re proud to continue our support of Moana Pasifika and the people of Tonga with the #TongaStrong campaign,” said Michael Fletcher, CEO of EarthX. “EarthX is proud to support Habitat for Humanity’s efforts through #TongaStrong. Both of our organizations share a commitment to building resilient communities in island nations that are on the frontlines of the climate crisis.”
On January 15, the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano eruption spread ash, steam, and gas across a radius of over 250 kilometers (160 miles), generating a tsunami that devastated the Kingdom of Tonga.
You can contribute to #TongaStrong in New Zealand dollars on Moana Pasifika’s donate page.
Text ‘Tonga’ to 2446 to donate NZ$3. All texts to this number will incur a $3 charge on your mobile phone bill.
Alternatively to donate in US dollars, visit www.tongastrong.org.
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