The measles outbreak in Samoa began in October 2019 and continued for the next four months. As of 22 December 2019, the Government of Samoa reported 79 deaths and 5,520 cases. 61 out of the 70 deaths were aged 4 and under. 

This project aimed to source unused shoeboxes and use them as a vehicle to spark joy in a time of crisis for hospitalized families and children affected by the measles epidemic. Each shoebox had a sweet, fun, practical gift with a personal letter from each donor. Donations were from Global Shapers as well as the wider Samoan community and Pacific Diaspora. 

The Apia Hub collaborated with the Class of 2019 Robert Louis Stevenson Secondary School (RLSS). Both students and Shapers mobilized in sourcing shoe boxes, gift wrapping, reached out within networks, and volunteered to ensure these families and children were able to enjoy Christmas in a time of crisis. 

The RLSS Class of 2019 raised over WST $1,000. These students were using their own class funds to buy toys, games, and gifts that brought a smile to hospitalized babies, toddlers and children. However, they could only afford gifts for those in one hospital. In the spirit of Christmas, the hub partnered with this class with a goal to match their donation dollar-for-dollar allowing the hub to double efforts and buy gifts for children in both hospitals: Moto’otua and Leulumoega. The Apia Hub also worked with RLSS class representatives to organize a donation station, measles-related gift fund, and volunteers to gift wrapping shoeboxes before Christmas. 

The aim of the project was to deliver a total of 100 shoeboxes by Monday, 23 December 2019 at 12:00 pm. These gifts were distributed at both hospitals by the Helping Hands team and volunteer from Apia Hub: 100 Christmas Gifts for 100 Children on Christmas Day.

Project outcome:

• In 1 week, total monetary donations raised over $3,000 WST 


• In 3 days, collected and received physical donations: 130+ packing boxes, assorted toys, wrapping materials, sweets and confectionary 


• In 8 hours, 15 volunteers wraped 200 Christmas presents


• Delivered gifts to 3 hospitals (Motootua, Leulumoega & Faleolo)


• Gave gifts to families in Leauva'a village