KAHULUI–The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise is taking their focus on Vocational Service to the next level. Our members have been working hard to keep Maui Fire Survivors on Maui.

With the support of the Hawai’i Rotary District 5000 Disaster Relief Fund, our club quickly acted and started using the donations that were received to replace the equipment of professionals who had lost their tools in the fire. Combined with D5000 funds and donations that our club has received thus far we have been able to provide over $55,000 worth of tools for 75 working professionals and small businesses.

Applications for replacement items are vetted by our club members, and then applicants’ tools or equipment is purchased and delivered directly by Rotarians. Recipients of these vocational sponsorships have come from a variety of industries, including construction, massage therapy, hair styling, electrical, plumbing, painting, photography, marine education, dog grooming, and many more.

In addition to monetary support from the Hawai’i Rotary District 5000 Disaster Relief Fund that helped “kickstart” our program, we have also received donations from other Rotary Clubs and “friends of Rotary”. We found that sharing our program online has inspired many of these donations and will continue to share the experiences of vocational deliveries on our social media platforms: Instagram and Facebook. We’re in awe of the generosity from donors around the world and truly believe sharing these inspirational stories of hope through social media has led us to be able to replace so many more tools for our community.

Coming full circle, the appreciation from applicants upon receiving our tools has been very rewarding for our participating Rotarians. We often receive messages like this ” … I use my saw all the time. Please tell the Rotary club I appreciate them and you so much! Mahalo!”