Each year, it seems, Yoshiko “Dimples” Kano says it will be her last as the person spearheading The Garden Island/Zonta Club Christmas Fund.
Each year, however, she returns. And this year is no different.
The 94-year-old Dimples, while slowed by Father Time, keeps leading the charge, as she has been doing for two decades, to raise money to help those in need.
“Having been there, not being able to afford anything, I know what it’s like” she said. “Just the joy it brings to the people who don’t expect anything. I think that’s it — knowing that it really is Christmas for them. I’m told their faces light up.”
Marge Akana, Zonta Club of Kauai treasurer, will be assisting Dimples.
“She’s a go-getter,” Akana said of her good friend. “You just can’t keep her down.”
Akana, too, loves what the program means to so many facing hardships.
“When you read the situations they’re in, it just warms our hearts to be able to help them,” she said.
This holiday season, more than 700 requests for help from the Zonta Club Christmas Fund have come in from families and individuals.
Last year’s contributions totaled $24,866. The two years prior, donations came in at around $55,000.
Donations come in the form of small change from keiki to savings from kupuna. Dance clubs have performed to raise money for the fund. Others have rallied employees at work. Anonymous donors have matched contributions.
The Zonta Club of Kauai was started April 1, 1952 and in the ’80s added the Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, a nonprofit for fundraising. All Zonta Clubs are a member of Zonta International, active in 63 countries with over 30,000 worldwide. The mission is to empower women through service and advocacy. Zonta International celebrated its 100th year Nov. 8.
In the 1980s, Zonta Club of Kauai partnered with TGI to publish stories — with information provided by social agencies — about their client’s needs so they could have a brighter Christmas.
Here’s how it works:
Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share daily, front-page stories about families (we don’t use their real names) facing challenges and who would appreciate a little help.
The Christmas Fund is an avenue for everyone to provide that assistance. Donations are used by Zonta Club members to purchase gift certificates that are in turn distributed to families and individuals through the social service agencies.
Each donation is accounted for and recorded. There are no administrators collecting salaries. The money goes directly to provide gift certificates to those who need them for Christmas presents and groceries.
If you hold a fundraiser for the Christmas Fund, let us know and we’ll spread the word. Anyone making a donation of $50 or more can have their picture presenting the gift published in TGI.
Already, it’s already received a boost.
The Hawaii Community Foundation Kauai Office reported that a donor would like to challenge the community to help raise funds for the Zonta Club’s Christmas Fund.
The donor has pledged to match any donation over $150 up to $5,000. The final grant to Zonta Club will be tallied at the end of their Christmas Fund campaign and will be sent from the Hale Uluwehi Kauai Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation.
Donations may be made to: The Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, PO Box, 3032, Lihue, 96766, or by way of their website: zonta-kauai.org.
The following are stories of just a few of the people who could use your help. While their names have been changed, the situations are real.
w Brian is a 15-year-old boy who has an intellectual disability and suffers from seizures. He lives with his family in Kapaa and attends high school. For the holidays, Brian and his family could use help with food, household items and toys. Brian is generally a happy child who would be grateful to have any gift.
w Mr. and Mrs. Pikake, ages 84 and 82, live in their own home. Both have medical issues. They have five children but only one daughter lives on island. Their daughter works full time and tries her best to see them every day and take care of her own family, as well. Recently, Mrs. Pikake fell and broke her legs. She had surgery on Oahu and was there for a month. Receiving anything for the holidays would be helpful.
w Angela lives alone and relies on her Social Security to pay for rent, food and medication. She is one of two surviving sisters out of a large family, and her sister is in the hospital with a prognosis that is not so good. Angela does her best to stay positive and healthy. She knows she has limited funds to splurge on new things and tries to live a simple life. A new blouse or shoes would make her happy.
w Sally is 16 years old and is independent. Music and fitness motivate her. She loves to sing, wants to learn about music and would appreciate music equipment. This client is very close to making a breakthrough.
