Heartbroken mum loses HOME

On Monday the 16 of November, my mother's beloved home of 25 years in the Cook Islands had caught fire. All her possessions were lost in this tragic fire including many sentimental belongings, Tivaevaes (handmade sewn quilt) and important documents which was kept and treasured for many years.

My mother Pamela Taea and her little 3-year-old grandson Rylly was not home at the time and her partner Paera Taurae was at work.

We think the fire may have started from a mosquito coil that was left lit. At the time my brother Marouna was home alone sleeping when the smoke began to pour throughout the house. As he quoted "I woke up to the smell of smoke, and when I opened my bedroom door there was fire everywhere, the only way I could escape was through my bedroom window. I was terrified and felt helpless as I watched my home burn to ashes."

Our neighbour Annie saw the smoke and flames lighting up the house from a distance. She rushed over and yelled out to see if anyone was there but had no response. She hurried back to her house to call for help. On her way back to help put the fire out she saw Marouna running towards her and she was relieved to know he made it out safely and no one else was in the house. She comforted him as they waited for the emergency services to arrive.

My mum was devastated when she heard what had happened to her home as she rushed back to try and save what she can. She had no chance of saving anything as the fire was already out of control. Her heart was torn to pieces when she saw her beloved home in ashes.

This will be a huge blessing for OUR FAMILY if you are able to help us in anyway to rebuild her HOME especially with Christmas peaking around the corner.

All donations will be very much appreciated.

We would also welcome any household items such as essential appliances, houseware items and clothing (size M for female and L - XL male).

Meitaki Maata no toou tauturu (thank you very much for your help).