At a time when community members have less money and time, many are giving more of each to help Kaua‘i nonprofits support those in need. The efforts we’ve seen just over the past few weeks have been simply outstanding. —
At a time when community members have less money and time, many are giving more of each to help Kaua‘i nonprofits support those in need.
The efforts we’ve seen just over the past few weeks have been simply outstanding.
— On April 10, some 200 people participated in the annual March for Babies, raising some $40,000.
— On April 17, the Kaua‘i Food Bank reportedly had its best spring food drive ever, collecting some $14,000 and 4,000 pounds of food in a day.
— On April 20, more than 150 residents took part in the Multiple Sclerosis Walk, hauling in almost $12,000 toward finding a cure for the debilitating disease.
— On April 25, more than 450 people participated in the annual Relay for Life event, generating more than $130,000 for the fight against cancer.
Also earlier this month, the Kaua‘i United Way secured $29,247 in federal funding to address the hardships facing many local citizens.
This weekend, three Kaua‘i police officers spent three days on the roof of Safeway with the goal of raising at least $25,000 for Special Olympics.
This list is hardly all-inclusive, but it is a sampling of the kind of rampant generosity being exhibited throughout our community. Sure, we have our rough spots, but it’s important to recognize and take pride in the great deeds collectively being done.
This is especially important now as government services continue to decline due to budget cuts.
We suspect more residents, who may have previously looked to the government for assistance, will be turning to charities to help make ends meet. We would like to see charities continue to fill the gap as it is everyone’s kuleana to help a neighbor in need.
The selfless giving of time, energy and money over the past several weeks has been inspiring.
We call on residents to march on in this spirit of giving. If we avoid the temptation to turn our eyes inward when times get tough, we will be better equipped to pull through together.
