Members of the Youth with a Mission (YWAM) church are proud to help the community and those in need through their store ‘The Ark’ located in Titikaveka.

The couple have offered comfort, help and donations to the community, and according to them, the people of the Cook Islands.

Volly Tangiataua, a long-time member of the church, was born and raised in Mangaia and had a purpose to serve missions all around the world.

In 2018, Volly Tangiataua and his wife, Pamela Tangiataua, moved back to the Cook Islands and instantly started running a store.

 “The shop has been really an open door to help the community, especially our people,” Volly said.

Pamela runs the store most days, according to her husband, who said that there are families who struggle with purchasing clothes, so sometimes Pamela gives free clothes or other products the store holds for those who need them.

The couple shared that the shop is a major support system for the community, people with struggles and migrant workers, Filipinos, Indonesians, Fijians who visit the store a lot.

Clothes are priced from $2.50 up to $20, Pamela said that these prices are really for those who can afford them, if not, she gives out items for free to those in need of help.

The store has been running for over 10 years, before the couple took over the shop in 2018, the previous owner was Tokerau Jim.

Since 2018, the store has had a purpose to help the community with donations received from members of the church or others who are up to support the store.

According to Pamela, she said that most donations come from people who are moving abroad or people from the community who have no use of old clothes or other merchandise.

Volly added that the store not only helps the community but it also gives Pamela the opportunity to share a few words of God to tourists, visitors or buyers. He said “It serves the community, helps the community, but also on a spiritual side, helping and encouraging people to walk with God.”