Radius Rimu Rest Home in Kamo learned of Pearl's plight through reports in the Northern Advocate and have given her a room free for two weeks while arrangements are made to get builders in to repair her extensively damaged house in Boundary Rd, Tikipunga.
"It's so lovely to be hear," she declared to the television reporter from an armchair in her room. As the lights were set and the television cameras started to roll Pearl settled in to her armchair and took centre stage.
The television crew from Seven Sharp were at the rest home to do on story on Pearl, that is scheduled for tonight's show.
She joked with the young male reporter as she sipped on another cup of tea.
But she was also adamant about her return home.
"I want to go home. It's been my home and I don't know if I'd like another one," she said.
Her nephew, Ray Broad, has been blown away by the generosity of the community and the rest home offer of help.
"She's had the best night's sleep in a long time. She was up at breakfast today chattering away to the others and ordering cups of tea," Mr Broad said.
He said cleaners were at the Tikipunga home yesterday and builders had assessed the damage and thought they could have the work done in nine weeks. It was fortunate Pearl had kept up her insurance payments.
"We've got some of her personal items out like the paintings and we can salvage those. But the place stinks I hope we can get that smoke smell out."
Even Mr Broad was surprised at Pearl's chipper attitude and the fact she was enjoying all the attention.
Rimu Rest Home Anne McAteer said it was an absolute privilege to be able to help Pearl.
"I was appalled to hear what happened to Pearl. We've welcomed her here and told her to treat it like a holiday."
