Best Sunshine partner with U4S to expand relief efforts

Pushing forward with its commitment to reach out to as many people in the community, especially the hardest hit part of Saipan and those in outskirt areas that do not have easy access to relief distribution, Best Sunshine International Ltd. is supporting United 4 Saipan in providing access to water and essential needs for these residents affected by Typhoon Soudelor.

For the past three weeks now, Best Sunshine International continue to provide immediate relief to affected residents following the typhoon Soudelor’s devastation. In this photo, Tao Xing, chief services officer of Imperial Pacific, assist a Tanapag resident with some of BSI’s donation. (Contributed Photo)

U4S is a group of volunteers that led a massive grassroots effort to help out following the devastation of the typhoon.

Four days after Soudelor hit Saipan, U4S founder Jenny Hegland first started buying water using her own funds and personally delivered them to people in need. She then went on Facebook to gather dedicated volunteers, who in turn helped increase awareness and information, distribute donations from individuals and organizations, and direct the general flow of operations.

U4S member Hyunjae Lee appealed through the gofundme.com website to raise funds. A network of active organizations such as Marianas Young Professionals, Sons of Saipan and Empty Vessel Ministry, among others, stepped in. A location was identified to store and pack bundles of relief goods. Water is delivered directly to the people in the villages on a daily basis. By calling the helpline 484-HELP, people who are confined to their homes or who are previously inaccessible can direct the volunteers to send water, food or help in setting up temporary shelters.

Seeing the people’s vital need, Best Sunshine International supported United 4 Saipan’s altruistic causes and accomplishments by donating 280 cases of water. Imperial Pacific chief service officer Tao Xing, along with two Best Sunshine volunteers, personally distributed the donated 280 cases house to house, and an additional 20 cases of water were transported throughout the Kagman area last week.

“Personally seeing the wreckage of the homes of the people and their extreme hardships, and yet being greeted by smiling thankfulness, was certainly a moving experience,” said Xing.

The organization United 4 Saipan has since distributed more than 30,000 gallons of water and 500 bags of food. Best Sunshine will continue to reach out and assist organizations such as U4S in providing to the post-typhoon relief efforts of the community. (BSI)