Christmas arrived yesterday for 27 patients at Paediatric Ward of the Moto’otua Hospital.

This is thanks to the Small Business Enterprise Centre (S.B.E.C.) who turned up with gifts to allow the children to experience the joy and excitement of the season.

Among the recipients was Filipo Tepa, a one-year-old from Vaitele Fou who has been admitted because of an ear infection.

His mother, Camilia Tepa, said she was extremely thankful.

“I am truly grateful because not every day someone can give you a gift for your child. I pray that God blesses their company for their generous hearts,” Camilia said.

Romino Vaasili, 10-year-old from Taufusi expressed his immense gratitude for the wonderful gift.

“I am very happy to have a present before Christmas but in all honesty I do not have a wish or present that I want for this Christmas.  

“As you can see I am not feeling so well and that is why my spirit at the moment is a bit down. Because I can’t play with my toys outside instead I try to play with it on my bed but I am not in the right condition to do so,” Romino said.

S.B.E.C. representative, Leaupepe Esera Poliko said their decision to make the donation was based on the international celebration of Universal Children’s Day celebrated in Samoa in November 2018.

“This is the first time we have conducted an event like this and will continue as an annual event. The significance of this charity for S.B.E.C. is that we all get caught up in the mad rush of our daily lives and work but not often do we pause and think about what we can do for others who are less fortunate.  

“As an organisation, we are mandated to help develop small businesses in Samoa to improve livelihoods and quality of life for our people and this act of charity is in keeping with what SBEC stands for in the community,” Leaupepe said.

Leaupepe said it was a sacrifice for staff to donate their social club funds for a worthwhile cause.  

“It was all worth it seeing smiles on their faces even if it was for one day while dealing with the pain of being sick. The estimated value of gifts was about $1,500. 

“We will also be presenting gifts for sick kids at Tuasivi Hospital in Savaii on Saturday at 10am. But in Upolu SBEC will treat sick children and staff to a lunch at the Burger Bill in Vaitele but also the similar venue in Savai’i.”