NUKOLI‘I — Citizens at least 55 years old provided more than 65,000 volunteer hours to the county, said George Mukai, Retired Senior Volunteer Program advisory council chairperson. Mukai was speaking to more than 400 guests, the majority being RSVP volunteers,
NUKOLI‘I — Citizens at least 55 years old provided more than 65,000 volunteer hours to the county, said George Mukai, Retired Senior Volunteer Program advisory council chairperson.
Mukai was speaking to more than 400 guests, the majority being RSVP volunteers, who took a day off from volunteering to be recognized for their daily work around the island.
Linda Nuland-Ames, Kaua‘i RSVP director, said volunteers serve at 70 different stations where they play a vital role in helping people.
The RSVP volunteers were guests of honor at the 2010 RSVP Recognition luncheon which served to launch the holiday season as they turned out in colors of the season to recognize their peers, celebrate with a luncheon and dancing to the music of The Starlighters, a favorite musical ensemble of the kupuna, Thursday at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort.
“There are 525 active volunteers in this program,” said Laurie Yoshida, Gov. Linda Lingle’s Kaua‘i liaison, relaying appreciation from Lingle and Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona. “This is your 38th anniversary, and there are 400 of you here to celebrate your accomplishment.”
Yoshida, in one of her last official appearances as Lingle’s liaison, said the combined force of the Kaua‘i RSVP program produced 65,000 volunteer hours, which saved state and county government more than $500,000.
Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., whose office serves as the sponsoring agency for the RSVP program through the county Agency on Elderly Affairs, said in addition to the savings to the county, RSVP volunteers play a vital role in the community, making both social and economic impacts on the island.
Laurie Cannady, the state program director for the Corporation for National and Community Service, said this is the third year she’s attended the recognition luncheon, and is impressed with the forward positive attitude of the AEA and the RSVP Advisory Council which serves as a steering committee to create a positive experience at the volunteer stations.
“Although the federal government funds the program, this is a community program that has received strong community recognition and support,” Cannady said. “Thank you for doing the day-to-day work. Today is your day to celebrate and be recognized for what you do.”
Linda Nuland-Ames, the Kaua‘i RSVP director who started her position in September, said Governor-elect Neil Abercrombie sent a congratulatory letter saying age is just a number, and no matter what that number is, everyone has something to contribute to the community.
Kealoha Takahashi got help from master of ceremonies Chala Vidinha in recognizing RSVP volunteers who have provided service for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years (see thegardenisland.com for a slideshow).
“We have volunteers who have served for more than 30 years with us, today, but these are the terms where they receive a certificate,” Kealoha said.
Donna Schulze of Kilauea said she’s been serving for 21 years, got her 20-year certificate during last year’s luncheon, adding she will wait for four more years to get her 25-year certificate.
• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
