ISLAND AID
It’s too early to tell the full scale of the damage from the enormous volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami that hit the Kingdom of Tonga on 15 January 2022. However, what is certain is that it will take a huge effort to get this island nation back on its feet and tackling repairs to vital infrastructure including water supply, homes, businesses, churches and schools. Kiwi company Heilala has been working in Tonga since 2002 and its close partnership with local families gives it a deep-seated interest in the country and its people. A recent statement from Jennifer Boggiss, CEO and co-founder of Heilala Vanilla, says, “At Heilala community is everything. We don’t simply support the people of the small Pacific Island Tonga. The people of Tonga are the lifeblood of our business. They are our partners, colleagues, workmates, family and friends. The people of Tonga need our help – today, tomorrow and in the foreseeable future.” Quick to reach out, Heilala has donated NZ$25,000 to the Heilala Vanilla Foundation for emergency relief, to help towards food, water and other supplies, and security, too.
Sadly it’s familiar ground for the company, which began in 2002 as an aid project founded by New Zealander John Ross and his family. The Kingdom of Tonga had been ravaged by the unusually vicious Cyclone Waka, leaving the islands and its people shattered. Partnering with the Latu family in the village of Utungake, the two families established a small vanilla plantation with a vision to provide a sustainable future, employment, and a sense of purpose and pride for the village. Now, 20 years on, the company is passionate about supporting 400 vanillafarming families in Tonga, promoting inter-generational self-sufficiency and, of course, harvesting superior-quality vanilla.
Heilala Vanilla has set up a donation page to assist with the relief efforts. Every cent of the funds donated goes directly to response efforts. The company will cover all administrative and associated costs required for the foundation to carry out its work. People wishing to support the Heilala Vanilla Foundation in helping the victims of the natural disaster can donate via donorbox.org/ tonga-tsunami-relief-effort-2022