Support surged from the community at the fast-selling fundraiser event for the Poila family of Mangaia whose beloved family home, store and warehouse, was reduced to ashes in a devastating fire just days before Christmas.

Hundreds of delicious plates of braised pork, barbequed fish or meat, mitiore and tenderised meals sold out early yesterday morning at the successful fundraiser that was held at Te Atukura in Tutakimoa.

Teariki and Teremoana Poila from Mangaia lost their home and business to the fire on December 20, 2024, and are now living in Rarotonga with their children.

Their daughter, Rimmel Mokoroa (nee Poila), who was helping out at the fundraiser was overwhelmed by the outpouring show of solidarity, love and kindness from the community.

“Our people do come together as one to show their love and support,” said Mokoroa.

“People were buying their plates of food and at the same time giving donations … the kindness has been very positive for us, for my parents, especially for my dad who was really affected by what happened.

“We are grateful to the whole community, here and in Mangaia.”

Since the fire, the Poila family has been deeply moved by the kindness and encouragement shown to their parents by people they encounter on the road, at the banks and in the shops.

“Some are people we don’t even know, but who have been so kind, donating money. Our parents are very grateful for the generosity,” said Mokoroa.

“We really appreciate all this support, the donations and kind words, and we feel the love from our small community for our parents, for our family. Meitaki maata.

“We will rebuild their home, that’s our priority.”

Toru Ngatoko (middle) and her grandson Reily Newbigging Fatialofa support the Poila Fire Relief Fundraiser at Te Atukura. MELINA ETCHES/25011503

Mokoroa said she was grateful to her uncle, Makirere Poila, her father’s brother, and other siblings, including Tuki Wright, and their children, who initiated the house fire relief fundraiser, which was supported by the Pukapuka community.

“We appreciate the people of Mangaia, the Rarotongans, our Pukapuka family, and everyone who donated food and money,” she said.

The Poilas built their home on Mangaia in 1979/1980. They have seven children and many feeding children. The couple have operated their store since 2009.

Mokoroa said they were all devastated to see their parents hard work and livelihoods destroyed in the blaze a few days before Christmas.

“They lost everything. During the first few days it was hard for us (children). For the sake of my parents, we stayed positive, trying to encourage them, because of my dad,” she said.

Her brother was in Mangaia at the time and saw the fire start from the middle of the main house, spread out to the warehouse and onto the shop.

On the isolated island of Mangaia, there are no fire brigades.

At the time of the fire, the water from the taps wasn’t running either. Her brother had to use water from the tank to try and douse the fire.

Last week, the island of Mangaia held a TV-thon for the Poila Family that raised over $29,000, including donations from overseas.

This Friday, a radiothon for the family will be held in Rarotonga, hosted by Nga Teao-Papatua and Makirere Poila on Radio Cook Islands.

The Rarotonga Golf Club and the Rarotonga Bowling Club driven by the Atiu bowling team have also offered to assist with fundraising efforts.