Over 100 families and friends attended the Are Pa Metua lunch fundraiser at the Islander Hotel on Wednesday.

Are Pa Metua coordinator, Moana-O-Liliuokalani Marsters said she was pleased to see the “wonderful” support from the families of the elderly, and thanked everyone for making the time to attend the lunch event.

The event was held to raise funds to buy a new van which is needed to pick up and transport the Mamas and Papas to the Are Pa Metua centre in town and various activities.

“We will re-open the centre next year and hope to see everyone again - and we will continue to raise funds to purchase our van,” said Marsters.

Eighty-seven-year-old Nga Mokoroa, the Are Pa Metua vice-president, thanked the guests for attending the event, noting that most members were over the age of 80 and several were in their 90s.

Ministry of Internal Affairs secretary Anne Herman opened the lunch event and highlighted the hard work Marsters and her husband do for the Are Pa Metua. Ministry staff were also there to help serve the elderly.

This year 6804 beneficiaries received a $50 Christmas bonus from the Cook Islands Government on December 21. This is expected to help provide assistance to families during this festive period, when expenses usually increase.

Beneficiaries include those receiving the Cook Islands Pension, Child Benefit, Caregivers Allowance and Infirm and Destitute benefits.