The St Christopher’s Home raised $103,000 at the Valentine Gala hosted by the New Zealand High Commission on Saturday night.

The money raised was for the construction of a new home for boys from the age of 12 to 18 years old.

Sister-in-charge, Kalolaine Tuineau said they were able to sell all the 150 tickets for the gala.

“Next month the construction of the new home for the boys will start. It will be built at the rear of St Christopher’s Home,” Sister Kalolaine said.

“To be called ‘Moana St Claire Boys Home’ we plan to have six bedrooms which will cater for 12 boys. We will begin with 12 boys with two boys to a room.

“Right now when a boy turns 12 years old he is taken to Veilomani Home in Ba. It is always heartbreaking for the girls to part from their brothers. The idea of Moana St Claire Boys Home came up two years go by the retired Archbishop Winston Halapua.”

Sister Kalo said they were thankful to everyone for making their dream come true.

“A ticket cost $200 and we sold all the 150 tickets. There was also a silent auction, call out auction and donations,” she said.

“The catering service was conducted by students of ServicePro International Tourism Hospitality Institute and we are thankful that it was all for free.”

“We want to thank the New Zealand High Commission for hosting the gala. It was all for a good cause.”

Edited by Percy Kean

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