Wasps’ player Malakai Fekitoa has launched a fundraiser for home island crisis relief in tsunami-hit Tonga. In support of Fekitoa’s efforts, Wasps will donate 20% of all match ticket revenue from our Gallagher Premiership match vs Saracens on Sunday 30 January to the cause.
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, who hasn't been able to make contact with his mother in Tonga, has sprung into action by launching a fundraising appeal to purchase 'essential products' for those impacted by the tsunami.
Fekitoa recently shared his experiences growing up in Tonga and gave an update on his efforts to make contact with his family since the disaster. Watch HERE.
Speaking about Wasps support of Fekitoa’s fundraising efforts, Stephen Vaughan, Wasps Group Chief Executive Officer, said:
“We were deeply saddened to hear the news of the tsunami in the Pacific Island nation earlier this month, a tragedy that has even greater impact given that Malakai, a key member of the team and firm fan favourite, has been directly affected by this.
“As we await more news, the Club has decided to support Malakai’s fundraising efforts by donating 20% of all match ticket revenue from our Saracens match on Sunday 30 January to the GoFundMe page which has been set up by Malakai to help get aid to where it is needed most.”
Show your support and join us at Coventry Building Society Arena on Sunday 30 January. Click here to get your tickets.
Can’t make the game but still want to support Fekitoa’s fundraiser? More than 1,000 donations have already been made including from current and former Wasps players.
