Asinech Takes Action to Support Chuuk Youth

We acknowledge Asinech Hellan-Mida for taking the initiative to raise funds for the Penia-based youth organization known as HOOPS (Helping Ourselves: Outreach Programs in Sports). Led by Keitani Graham, this non-profit organization  was established to offer sports programs, meaningful activities and lifestyle (tobacco, alcohol, substance & violence abuse) education to Chuukese youth. While visiting her home state of Chuuk in 2008, Asi witnessed the incredibel work of HOOPS that she has decided to raise $1,000.00  by selling t-shirts to anyone interested in helping the cause. 

In an email sent to CRM, the energetic graduate student wrote, “I am donating all the profits to HOOPS.  I hope to make at least $1,000.00.  I am excited because I am hoping the money can go toward their planned activities, perhaps some sports gears, or whatever maybe be needed.”

For those who wonder whether this is another Penia villager just looking out for her own relatives, the Saramen Chuuk Academy graduate said,

“No, I’m not from Penia, but I really would like to help.  I was there in August of last year and boy, I was amazed at the amount of people they gathered.  Keitani was busy.  He had basketball tournaments, football, tracks, marathon and on top of it all, the youth center.  I really was blown away and you must understand the joy and pride I felt seeing all that.”

After returning to the States where she is currently completing her graduate degree in optometry, Asinech could not stop thinking about ways to help HOOPS.    “I kept thinking and thinking.  OK, I don’t have money obviously (lol, I am a poor college student) but I want to contribute in a small way.  Hence the idea of selling Tshirts.  My school does it all the time.  So, I will be selling t-shirts to whoever wants.  It will have “Chuuk” in the front and “Helping Ourselves: Outreach Programs in Sport” (HOOPS) in the back.” She is grateful for any help she can get to meet her goal of sending $1,000.00 to HOOPS. And we are grateful to you, Asi, for your selfless inspiration and dedication to our Chuukese youth.

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To place your order, please fill out the form below and click “Send” and it will be automatically emailed to Asinech. She will be in touch with you directly to arrange payments.