MUSCATINE, Iowa – The tragedy of the September tsunamis in Samoa and American Samoa struck a chord with the Pearl City Rugby team.

It’s easy to see why. Almost a dozen players on the team have relatives living in the disaster zone. Hundreds of others died in the tsunami and thousands are left missing and homeless as well.

In an effort to help family and friends in the south Pacific, the team is hosting a Red Cross donation tent at Saturday’s last home matches.

“All of us had ties and we do have ties there,” Keiki Misipeka, 29, a rugby team member said. “We just want to give back to everyone who’s been affected and help out in some way.”

Misipeka and his brother, Kea, saw their village damaged by the tsunami on television, and their mother’s home was demolished. Though she is safe, Misipeka said they both want to help in any way possible.

The matches, at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, are open to the public. Monetary donations are encouraged, but clothing and supplies will be accepted and given to the Polynesian community in the Quad-Cities, working to ship items to tsunami victims.

Misipeka said the idea came from “a bunch of boys in the [rugby] house,” and knowing they couldn’t physically help was not good enough.

“We decided to brainstorm,” he said. “We decided to use our last home game as a tsunami relief fund, to just try to get people out here and try to help the cause.”

Misipeka said it’s a way to help those they love in the south Pacific.

Misipeka said a Red Cross fund has been established and various agencies and organizations are also assisting with relief efforts.

Jane Daufeldt, executive director of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will be at the game assisting with the donations.

“They really want to help,” Daufeldt said.

“It’s more than just being out here for rugby; they’re kind of taking us in, treating us more like family,” Misipeka said of his fellow team members and community supports like Daufeldt. “ It’s great to be part of this community. We’re blessed.”

Misipeka hopes to see many Muscatine residents at Saturday’s game, but hopes people can donate time and efforts, no matter what.

“Come out and enjoy the game and lend a helping hand,” he said.

Details

What: Pearl City Rugby last home match of the season

Where: Muscatine High School rugby field

Time: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

When: Saturday, Oct. 17

Donations: Monetary donations to the Red Cross encouraged at the game.  To contact the Muscatine Red Cross and make a donation, call 563-263-6124.