The family of Kafo and Pae Tuteru are devasted at the loss of the elderly couple’s home that was destroyed in a blazing house fire last week.

A family member, Jelena Avramovic is reaching out on behalf of the family and has created the GoFundMe campaign to assist the couple.

No one was injured in the blaze, however, Avramovic says, the elderly couple are now in the hospital.

It has come to light that both Mama Kafo and Papa Pae - who have opened up their home to so many people over the years and have never asked or expected anything in return, are not well, she said.

“And I know that by creating this GoFundMe page, Mama would say to me not to trouble the people. That is her way.”

It has been a challenging couple of years for them and they have not reached out and so we are, on their behalf, she added.

The funds raids will be used towards the Tuteru’s medical and housing costs and other expenses as they both try to recover in this difficult time.

“If you are able to, any donation (big or small) will be appreciated.

“Please keep Mama Kafo and Papa Pae and their family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Fifteen firefighters and five fire trucks responded to the residential property fire behind the National Sports Arena in Nikao last week.

The firefighters fought for about 30 minutes to put out the blaze.

The two-storey home, where the Tuteru’s were living sustained significant damage destroying their home.

Two tankers and a pump truck from the Teimurimotia Volunteer Fire Brigade, as well as a pump truck each from the Airport Rescue Fire Service and the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade attended to the fire.