The music community across Australasia is rallying to provide support with a planned series of three ’I Love Samoa 2020 Benefit Concerts’ that will kick off at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau, Auckland on January 28. That fundraising concert will be followed by a concert in Wellington on January 29 and the Gold Coast on February 8. A further free ‘I Love Samoa’ event is also planned for February 15 in Samoa.

The many families affected by the measles epidemic in Samoa are still experiencing a heavy toll both emotionally and financially and need help. Two more people died from measles in Samoa over the New Year period, with 30 new cases of measles reported during that time. Samoa’s Ministry of Health Mental Health unit has warned of the growing psychological impact of the measles epidemic and is urging people to seek help.

Just 10 years ago Samoa was devastated by a tsunami that claimed hundreds of lives, and now the struggling island nation is faced with another tragedy, one that is taking babies, affecting many families and hitting much closer to home for many. Alofa mo Samoa, spearheaded by Sir Michael Jones, who set up a Givealittle page, have a system to ensure that the funds raised will be directed to all families that have lost a loved one, a model which the I Love Samoa organisers plan to follow, distributing funds raised to the families affected.

If you, your company or organisation would like to donate or support the ‘I Love Samoa 2020 Benefit Concerts’ please message them through the FB page I Love Samoa 2020.

Tickets to the first three concerts will be available from Eventfinda for Auckland and Gold Coast, and from Ticketek.co.nz for Wellington.