Retired Australians raise funds for WW2 bomb explosion victims

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BY GEORGINA KEKEA

More than AUD$21,000 was raised for the victims of the recent world war two bomb explosion in Honiara by retired Australians.

 

At the annual Australian Grey Nomads camp held from 7 - 15 May in Australia, the participants rallied together to raise funds after hearing news of the tragedy.

 

Former pastors and missionaries who had worked in Solomon Islands were part of the camp for retirees who rallied together to raise funds for the victims and their families.

 

As reported by the Adventist Record Pastor Ray Eaton who was in attendance said the whole camp got behind the project.

 

“It was very enthusiastically supported”, Eaton said.


Retired adults, known as Grey Nomads participating in an event
 at the camp (Photo by Adventist Record)

The Grey Nomads camp brought together more than 470 retirees from all over the country except Western Australia to Stuarts Point Convention Centre (NSW) where their program was held.

 

Pastor Eaton said the money raised at the Grey Nomads camp was divided equally for the families of the deceased victims as well as the Pathfinder club.

 

“We encouraged them to use the money on permanent things,” said Pastor Eaton.

 

The money was sent to the Solomon Islands less than a week after the incident occurred. “We jumped in behind it right away!” said Pastor Eaton.

 

Pastor Alex Currie also from the Adventist church said this gesture shows that they care.

 

“We have two people who died, and others who were injured. I think that’s a tremendous response from the Adventist family.”

 

The two deceased victims of the world war two explosion, Raziv Hilly and Charles Noda were part of the Topaz Youth Society, an arm of the Kukum Young Adult Youth Ministry of the Seventh Day Adventist church. Both were buried at the Betikama cemetery east of Honiara.


Two other female victims are still recovering from their injuries sustained from the explosion.


ENDS////


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