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Schoolboy raises $43, 000 for Samoa tsunami victims

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Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:11a.m.

A seven-year-old Bay of Plenty boy has raised more than $43,000 for the victims of the Samoa quake and tsunami.

Liam Porter got the idea to raise funds after he and has family fled their Papamoa, Tauranga, home amid fears of a tsunami following the Samoa quake.

When he saw on TV the devastation and destruction in Samoa, he suggested all children donate a gold coin, The Bay of Plenty Times reported.

His mother Amanda Porter mentioned the idea to her book group that night and it took off from there.

"It's testament to Bay people and the sort of people we are - we do get involved," schoolteacher Mrs Porter said.

Liam's account on Friday held more than $43,000 in donations.

All money from his appeal will be given to the Red Cross for Samoan tsunami relief.

Kids can donate their pocket money or a gold coin amount to Samoa Tsunami Appeal at any BNZ branch.

NZPA
 

Comments [12]

LITTIA
22 Oct 2009 8:26p.m.

Wow. I am very physically and spiritually moved Liam Porter as well as my family as I told them. We have lost loved ones and it is people like you and families like yours who are very Blessed:) I've always believed that the children of today ARE and WILL BE the Leaders of tomorrow. I am grateful for Mr. and Mrs. Porter for raising such a wonderful son like Liam.
Honestly, I am a little speechless of what to say because there isn't enough words to express how much gratitude we have for you and your parents. FA'AFETAI, FA'AFETAI, FA'AFETAI LAVA! I will remember your name no doubt. You have really set a great example to other children as well as adults all over the world especially in your hometown. Again Liam I THANK YOU very much. You have helped in so many ways and even if there was less than what you raised, we will still be forever grateful for your Love and Care for our people. Your parents'must be very proud:) Mr. and Mrs. Porter, you have raised a great son, keep up the good work.
Again, Thank You Liam and your parents' as well as all those who contributed to the fundraiser, We are forever grateful. I wish you all the best in life as you change the life of others. Take Care and God Bless You all! Fa'afetai for your love and support.

From my family to yours: We're grateful and hope that we will meet one day:)

tafiafamly
22 Oct 2009 10:22a.m.

...our famly along with every Samoan round da world will be forever greatful for what u, ur famly and everyone involved have done...ur trully an angel send from above...
THANK U LITTLE MAN...too all the kiwis God knows and sees everything..we may not have things to repay ur kindess but he will....THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH...
from a very humbled heart..

Agnes
18 Oct 2009 11:02p.m.

i wish i did that!

meg
15 Oct 2009 7:39p.m.

my school has just raised $125 at a school of 86 by a dress up day and people brang a gold coin to either get trough who to dance and some wacth a movie but his is way more amazin

Lana
13 Oct 2009 3:42p.m.

WELL DONE LIAM! what an awesome thing you have done for complete strangers..

I would also like to thank you for giving your time to contribute to the mass amounts of dontations that are pouring in.

Im sure alot of families in Samoa will benefit from your kindness.
Thankyou to the parents aswel!! what a great son you have!

God Bless you and keep you. May He return His love and kindness and shower it upon you and your family as you have done.

Love and many many blessings,
Lana Samania (Auckland -currently in Outback Australia lol )

lave
13 Oct 2009 2:08p.m.

Thank you very much Liam. You are the same age as some children killed and your fantastic effort and courage touches other peoples hearts and life. Keep up the good work of giving and sure you will be blessed with the gift of recieving. Thanks again and BLESS you LIAM

Poto Setu
12 Oct 2009 2:21p.m.

Dear Liam, from the bottom of my heart I THANK YOU SOOO MUCH, YOUR MUM included for this huge show of kindness you raised for my people, I cried when I read about this today and still am, because I know what you did was from your heart and good will, because you felt how we feel, GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, also to all your friends and your school and all that contribute to it, Liam I don't have anything to show how much I appreciate this but just to say THANK YOU SOOO MUCH, I am sure all the Samoan community whereever they are feels the same like me, for this show of kindness, as I said before GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY HE GUIDE YOU IN WHATEVER YOU DO IN ALL THE DAYS AHEAD OF YOUR LIFE!!

LOVE

POTO SETU

H.Junior
12 Oct 2009 12:09p.m.

That was an awesome effort from you Liam. Its good to see that there are good people like you with a good heart to help out to needy people. As a samoan lived here in new zealand not that long you encourage me and my family to do lot more than what we have done so far. Thank you and God bless.

Maddy
12 Oct 2009 2:11a.m.

Thank You so much to Liam and his mother Mrs Porter, I am a Kiwi Samoan born and raised in Auckland and currently residing in Aussie, like Leta am absolutely overwhelmed with the generosity of Kiwis willing to give up the time and effort to help out their fellow neighbouring Islands. It people like Liam that make all the difference in Society today, and people like Liam and his mother that make me miss home.

Thanks soo much Liam, Liam's mum and the rest of NZ for all your efforts.

God Bless you all.

Leta
11 Oct 2009 1:20p.m.

Fa'afetai le alofa Liam. . . thank you, thank you. As a Samoan who has lived in NZ for over 30 years, I am overwhelmed by the generosity and compassion of Kiwi's like Liam and the many, many others who have been moved by the tragedy in Samoa. Bless you Liam.

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