The HEI Charitable Foundation recently contributed $50,000 to the Hawaii Foodbank and pledged another $75,000 to United Way agencies in support of their efforts to assist Hawaii families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HEI is the parent company of Hawaiian Electric, American Savings Bank and Pacific Current.
“Our community is experiencing tremendous and increasing hardship as social distancing has required extended closures and school breaks, reduced work hours, and even loss of jobs and benefits,” said Connie Lau, HEI president and CEO. “That’s why we want to help the Hawaii Foodbank and United Way, organizations that provide critical services to our community during these trying times. We hope our donation will inspire others to give if they are able.”
The foundation pledged $50,000 to Aloha United Way, $10,000 to Hawaii Island United Way, $10,000 to Maui United Way and $5,000 to Kauai United Way.
“Aloha United Way is on the front lines actively working to protect the health, safety and well-being of our community,” said Norm Baker, Aloha United Way interim president and CEO. “We are experiencing an immediate increased demand for services and support along with a record number of calls to our 2-1-1 helpline. We expect the need to continue to soar and are counting on community support to meet the growing need. Together, with community partners like HEI, we will persevere and help our island ʻohana return to a stronger, healthy and safe place.”