GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres has expressed support for the Chuuk relief drive that will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 21 at Minatchom Atdao.
“Please support and help Chuuk with the relief drive,” the governor said. “I know that they did one earlier, but let’s all come out and support our Chuukese community. Not only that, they are part of our community, but they’ve been a great contribution to our community. They have good leaders. This is a great way for us to show that we are here as brothers, as one Micronesia.”
He added, “I mean, when we needed help, our brothers and sisters from [the Federated States of Micronesia], I remember during Yutu, they contributed $200,000. That’s a lot of money from the FSM. For them to contribute $200,000 really is a lot. If a little goes a long way, imagine the amount that they were able to contribute. Let’s all stick together and let’s help out our brothers and sisters. So, please, our community, let’s stand together and let’s help out our brothers and sisters from Chuuk.”
The purpose of the “Help/Ayuda/Alisi Chuuk” relief drive is to collect much-needed supplies for the residents of Chuuk, who continue to be affected by the inundation of salt water as early as December of last year.
Their staple food crops, such as breadfruit, bananas, and giant taro, were immensely affected due to this natural disaster.
The relief drive is an effort to help alleviate food insecurities in these low-lying and atoll islands.
The Ach Chuuk CNMI Association has partnered with the CNMI Office of the Governor, the Lady Diann Torres Foundation, the Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club, the Saipan Maga’Haga Lady Eagles Club, the Women of Destiny, the CNMI Department of Fire and Emergency Services, and the CNMI Department of Public Safety for this relief drive.
Suggested items to donate include dried goods, bottled water, first aid kits, butane or stoves, cleaning supplies, hygienical products, toiletries, school supplies, ramen noodles, and children’s toys.
For more information, contact Ach Chuuk CNMI Association President Own Cholymay at (670) 287-8511 or Elfriede D. Suda at (670) 789-3490 or elfriedesuda@gmail.com
Members of the Ach Chuuk CNMI Association pose for a photo on the morning of the Fit To Lead 5K CNMI Tourism Month Fun Run.
