Rotaract Rarotonga has stepped in to support the work of Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI), the Cook Islands Women's Support Centre, by donating two BBQ tables.

Punanga Turuturu Itivaine is a local nongovernmental organisation dedicated to providing support for women survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

As part of its 2025 community initiatives, Rotaract Rarotonga, a self-funded organisation run by a dedicated team of volunteers, decided to support a project initiated by the Punanga Turuturu Itivaine to purchase BBQ tables. This initiative aims to create a more comfortable and open environment for the women PTI supports.

In a bid to purchase tables, Rotaract Rarotonga collaborated with CC Tamure on a fundraising event, successfully raising $1800.

Ty Connal of PTI expressed immense gratitude for this project coming to life.

Connal highlighted the dual benefit of the BBQ tables, noting that they will be useful for both staff and the women they support during counselling sessions, offering the option of meeting outside a closed room in a more relaxed setting.

“That will come in use for not only the staff, but also for our survivors when they have counselling sessions. So instead of them being counselled inside a closed room, they have the opportunity to be counselled outside as well.”

Rotaract Rarotonga president Toru Nooroa donated the BBQ tables on behalf of the organisation.

In her address, Nooroa conveyed Rotaract’s appreciation to PTI for envisioning a project that prioritises the comfort of their clients.

Nooroa further explained the importance of creating a new space, stating, Rotaract is happy to support PTI.

The journey to this donation began a couple of months ago, when PTI requested assistance acquiring BBQ tables.

Rotaract then reached out to CC Tamure, who generously agreed to collaborate on a fundraising event to gather the necessary funds.

Rotaract and PTI also extended their gratitude to Alex Olah from Timberland Arorangi, who provided support to PTI by offering free delivery and assembling the BBQ tables.

Nooroa also took the opportunity to acknowledge all those who played a crucial role in this project.

“Rotaract for organising the fundraiser, CC Tamure for hosting the event, Timberland Arorangi and Alex Olah for the BBQ tables, PTI for their ongoing commitment and behind the scenes supporters,” she said.

Special thanks were given to the Ura fitness, CC Tamure with Mona Taio and her team.

“Thank you very much for your support, and thank you for helping Rotaract and also to Arorangi Timberland, to Alex Olah. Thank you so much for helping the Rotaract as well,” Nooroa said.

“And also, thank you Ty, the left-hand lady of the project who is also part of the Rotaract as well. I am so grateful and thank you to the team members behind the scene.”