In light of the recent volcanic eruption and ensuing tsunami in Tonga, many here in American Samoa, as well as the broader Pacific, have been working towards providing disaster relief for those in Tonga, whose homes and livelihoods have been affected. In an effort to join this inspiring effort, Bluesky launched “Free Calls to Tonga”, in order to help the people of our community connect with their loved ones in Tonga.

In the aftermath of the natural disaster, Tonga experienced a complete blackout where they were cut off from the world without mobile and internet services. As relief efforts have been making gains, especially in restoring mobile services, Bluesky saw this as an opportunity to help reconnect families and friends by waiving all charges for calls made to Tonga from any Bluesky mobile. From January 22^nd to 31st, international calls to Tonga from any Bluesky mobile were made to be free of charge and from this effort, the total amount of calls made totaled $30,000. Bluesky is pleased to be able to provide some kind of relief by reconnecting loved ones without the additional stress of having to worry about incurring extra costs.

In addition to this, Bluesky also donated $5000 to the humanitarian relief drive which is led by the American Samoa Government and the local Tongan community that aims to provide funds and essentials for those affected by the weather events in Tonga.

“It has been inspiring to see the effort to help Tonga being put forth, not only here in American Samoa, but also across the broader Pacific, and Bluesky is honored to stand alongside you all in our efforts towards disaster relief. Despite the trials that this natural disaster has brought, we know our brothers and sisters in Tonga to be strong and resilient, and so we continue to pray for a renewed strength and resilience to get them through these times,” says Justin Tuiasosopo, Bluesky Chief Executive Officer.