Oceania Football Confederation launches Tonga fundraising campaign

As Tongans come to terms with the devastation wreaked by last week’s volcanic eruption and tsunami, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has launched a fundraising campaign to help finance the enormous rebuilding task that lies ahead.

"The OFC are committed to standing alongside Tonga. Our goal is to help Tongans rebuild livelihoods that have been destroyed by this unforeseen disaster," said OFC President Lambert Maltock on Tuesday.

Members of the public can make donations to the Li’oa Ma’a Tonga ('Give your all, for Tonga') campaign through an official Givealittle webpage managed by the OFC.

Contributions will cover the costs of purchasing essential equipment such as generators, as well as pay for repairing houses damaged by waves that reached heights of 15 metres as they swept across the South Pacific archipelago following the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic island.

Catastrophic damage

"As the full extent of the damage continues to be discovered, we want to make sure we are doing our part to assist in efforts to rebuild in Tonga," said President Maltock.

Proceeds from the appeal will also fund the delivery medical kits and counselling support for children through the Just Play emergency programme – a joint initiative between the Tonga Football Association and the Australian Government.

UEFA financial commitment

UEFA has already pledged its support for the OFC’s Li’oa Ma’a Tonga campaign. "We will make a financial contribution and strongly encourage other members of the European football community to do the same," said UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.

UEFA’s web and social media channels will also invite football fans across Europe to back the appeal.

"I would like to commend the OFC for their act of solidarity with Tonga," added Mr Čeferin. "By standing with Tonga in its hour of need, the OFC appeal shows how football can use its reach and influence to help society."

How you can help the OFC to help Tonga

Join the OFC in rebuilding livelihoods in Tonga. Give Back. Inspire Hope. Make a difference.