In October Fix My Laptop was invited to assist with fund-raising and donated labour to help the local Brisbane Samoan community respond to the devastation of the tsunami that had hit Samoa recently. An 8.3 on the Richter scale strong earthquake which struck 200km from Samoa's capital Apia at 6.48am local time Sept. 30, 2009 in Lalomanu, Samoa. The quake triggered a tsunami wave up to 1.5 metres across areas of the island, with a death toll of 140+.

Fix My laptop Southside promptly donated a laptop computer that was auctioned by the Samoan radio station in conjunction with longtime FML customer and Samoan, Niko Burgess of Runik Polynesian World of Inala. Almost $1000 was raised.

In November the Fix My Laptop van was used to pick up supplies and donated clothing which were (eventually) packed in 5 shipping container (approx 30 tons) and shipped to Samoa arriving in early December 2009. Staff donated hundreds of hours to sort and pack hundreds and hundeds of boxes of donated materials.

In Samoa the items were distributed to the needy villages using the local mayors, bishops, village chiefs, "matai" etc as the focal point.

Commenting on this, Fix My Laptop owner Phillip Heibloem said “ It was a very moving experience, going into devastated villages and giving out bundles of clothes and other materials donated by the generous people of Brisbane. Tears of gratitude were common, eyes as wide as dinner plates on the children when they were given toys by “parlungi” (westerners). It was a hard work but very worthwhile.”.

Two laptop computers were also donated on the trip as seen in the attached photo.

Above: Angela from FML Adminstration pitches in.

Above: Phillip takes a break.

Above: The FML Van gets packed and unloaded and packed and unloaded repeatedly for 2 weeks.

Above: Our 5 containers arrive in Samoa ready for distribution. Picture shows Ruth & Niko Burgess (Runik) and Irene & Phillip Heibloem (Directors Fix My Laptop Pty Ltd).

Above: Loading the trucks in the equitorial heat.

Above: Distributing aid to needy Samoans.

Above: More distrbution of aid.

Above: Laptops donated to needy families in Samoa.

Its better to give than recieve.