Realtors foundation launches food drive
The nonprofit Hawaii Realtors Charitable Foundation is continuing its commitment to eliminating food insecurity and hunger in Hawaii with its first-ever food drive throughout the month of September.
Through Sept. 30, the foundation is collecting monetary donations through its website, as well as donations of canned food at dozens of locations statewide, under its #OneCanIfCan campaign.
Canned food donations on each island will benefit their respective island food banks.
“We are encouraging any level of giving at this critical time of need during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Moana Andersen, president of the foundation. “Just one can makes a difference. Ten dollars can go a long way by providing 25 meals for Hawaii families, including our keiki and kupuna.”
The foundation, launched earlier this year with a $50,000 donation to food banks throughout Hawaii, serves local communities by supporting charitable organizations and their efforts to assist those in need.
Hawaii Island locations in North and South Kona include Livingston Realty in Captain Cook, and Keller Williams Realty Maui/Big Island Division, Knutson &Associates, Windemere C &H Properties, Next Home Paradise Realty, Luva LLC, Title Guaranty and the West Hawaii Association of Realtors, all in Kailua-Kona.
Locations in North and South Kohala include Title Guaranty in Waimea, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Island Lifestyle at The Shops at Mauna Lani, Harry Wishard Gallery in Hawi, and the Takata Store and Arakaki Store in Kapaau.
In East Hawaii, donations can be dropped off in Hilo at Title Guaranty and Keller Williams Realty Maui-Big Island.
For more information on how to donate online, visit www.hawaiirealtors.com/fooddrive.
Credit union establishes Holomua Hawaii program
Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union recently announced it is the lead credit union contracted by Hawaii County to distribute up to $22 million in financial assistance to county businesses under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or CARES Act.
As lead, HCFCU is teaming up with Big Island Federal Credit Union, CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Hawaii County Employees Federal Credit Union, HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union, and HFS Federal Credit Union, to accomplish the grant program’s objectives in a distribution program called Holomua Hawaii.
“In working with our own members throughout this pandemic, it is clear that all segments of the island business community have been adversely affected,” said Tricia Buskirk, HCFCU President and Chief Executive Officer. “We anticipate a high level of demand.”
Eligible businesses or nonprofits directly impacted by COVID-19, with 50 employees or less can apply for these funds now until December. Funds may be used to support core operations and reopening costs. The maximum grant award is $10,000.
Interested applicants can visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/cares to see a complete list of eligibility requirements and required documentation, and to submit a grant application.
For information about HCFCU, visit https://www.hicommfcu.com.
Correction
The price for Friday’s dinner at the Kona Elks Club featuring a choice of steak, fish or shrimp at 6 p.m. costs $18. It is the policy of West Hawaii Today to correct promptly any misleading or incorrect information when it is brought to the attention of the newspaper.
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