For those of you who don't know, Liam Porter is a member of the 7 year age group at PSLSC Junior Surf.
Likewise, Emily Pol is also a member of the 7 year old group here.
If you ask their mums Amanda and Nikki, they're pretty good mates and have been for a long time so it only makes sense that a story involving one, should involve the other.
As a direct result of the September 30 tsunami that devastated parts of Samoa, these two decided that their earnings would be better spent helping those in need.
After seeing the events unfold on television, Liam initially thought of sending soft toys and water but later pondered that if every child in New Zealand donated $2 of their pocket money, this could be of even greater help to the people in Samoa.
The legend as we will now choose to tell it says that Liam and Emily started writing letters to television stations, newspapers and radio stations while Liam's mum Amanda got the ball rolling locally through her Book Club friends.
From there, the snowballing emails circulated throughout ever reaching networks and after two weeks, close to $50,000 had been raised.
Emily's mother Nikki (also our Club Administrator) said most contributions had come in small amounts but she said the Bank of New Zealand provided a very generous donation of about $25,000.
Even more wonderful to consider is that this initiative was started during the school holidays and as such, the ability to get the message out via the schools network of contacts was virtually non-existent.
Since Liam and Emily took those first few steps, it has now become common knowledge that schools throughout New Zealand have been initiating their own fundraising ventures for the victims of the tsunami.
In turn, Liam and Emily found themselves the toast of the town and even did a cameo with Paul Henry and Pippa Wetzell on TVNZ's Breakfast show. Continuing to show their caring nature, the kids graciously took Amanda and Nikki along for a free muffin!!!
It turns out that not just kids have been part of Liam and Emilys efforts, money has been coming in from family members, friends and the public.
All money raised will be given to the Red Cross for Samoan tsunami relief.
To Liam and Emily, like your parents, we at PSLSC are immensely proud of what you have done. It has been a grand effort and heartfelt congratulations go to you both for your kind thoughts, intentions, enthusiasm and motivation which has seen this amazing amount of money raised for people in need.
You have every right to stand tall and proud.
Well done team, well done!!!
