Appeal for Gisborne family devastated by house fire

A Givealittle appeal has been launched to help the family who lost everything they owned in the house fire in Totara St in Elgin last Thursday.

A Givealittle page has been established to help the solo mum and her family recover from the fire that devastated their Totara St home last Thursday.

The blaze broke out in the kitchen area of the Kāinga Ora home in Elgin at around 3.45pm and much of the interior at the front of the property was gutted by flames.

“Meri Haapu has experienced an unimaginable tragedy,” the Givealittle post reads.

“Her home, filled with memories, was consumed by the devastating fire.

“The cause is still being confirmed, but the outcome is heartbreakingly clear - Meri and her six children have lost everything.”

The poster said Haapu was a single mum who had dedicated her life to others.

“Whether it’s volunteering to cater for community events or being the first to offer help to any whānau member in need, Meri has always been there with open arms and a giving heart.

“She never hesitates to drop everything when someone is unwell or in need, pouring her love and energy into making sure others are cared for.

“Now, Meri and her children have nothing but the clothes they escaped in.

“Everything else – their home, belongings and the sense of security they once knew – is gone.”

The Givealittle poster said this was a call to action for everyone who knew the impact Haapu had had on this community.

“It’s our turn to give back to someone who has given so much.

“Your donations, no matter how big or small, will help Meri rebuild her life and provide the essentials she and her children need to start over.”

The money raised will be spent on essential items like clothing, food, furniture, travel and other basic necessities.

Those who wish to donate can do so at: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-rebuild-meri-haapus-life-after-devastating

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) yesterday confirmed the fire had been started by unattended cooking in the kitchen.

A Fenz spokeswoman said people must keep “looking while they are cooking”.

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of house fires in New Zealand according to Fenz data and one in four house fires started in the kitchen.