World Rugby Shop is supporting All Blacks and Wasps’ player Malakai Fekitoa in his fundraiser for home island crisis relief in tsunami-hit Tonga. In support of Fekitoa’s efforts, World Rugby Shop will be offering all customers the opportunity to ‘donate’ at checkout, buy a Tonga tee shirt or simply donate directly to Malakai’s Go fund me effort. 100% of proceeds from the Tee Shirt sale will be donated to Malakai’s fund raising effort.
An underwater volcano eruption 40 miles north of the capital Nuku'alofa on Saturday (January 15) caused tsunami waves to hit the Pacific Island nation that has also been blanketed in volcanic ash.
Due to communications being badly damaged, it has been hard to establish the scale of the destruction. However, calls have been made for immediate aid with food and fresh drinking water at the top of the list.
Ha'api-born Fekitoa is one of Tonga's most famous sons having developed as a rugby player there before earning a life-changing move to New Zealand. He went on to represent the All Blacks 24 times and was part of the squad that lifted the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The 29-year-old, has sprung into action by launching a fundraising appeal to purchase 'essential products' for those impacted by the tsunami.
Speaking about World Rugby Shop’s support of Fekitoa’s fundraising efforts, Bernard Frei, founder and CEO, said:
“We were deeply saddened to hear the news of the tsunami in the Pacific Island nation earlier this month, Rugby is a tight knit community and I know that our Tongan family is hurting right now. They need our help. The American Rugby community always stands strong in the face of adversity, it is never stronger than when they are asked to help others, especially their rugby brother and sisters in time of need and I am grateful to have the opportunity to do a small part with this fundraising initiative.
Want to support Fekitoa’s fundraiser? More than 1,900 donations have already been made including from current and former All Blacks & Wasps players. You can donate today here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/all-with-tonga-help-tonga?qid=bb089c79d76bc37f1ba2c9f9414d1721
Buy the Tee Shirt here
Or simply make a donation at check out.
"Thank you World Rugby Shop and all those who are supporting my fundraising, 'Help Tonga, All with Tonga.' Every donation means a lot for the Tongan community and it’s going to make a huge difference in the country’s recovery."
-Malakai Fekitoa, All Black
