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Volunteer to walk 165 miles around the island to support The Maui Farm

By Staff | Apr 9, 2021

Brian Sato (second from right) will set out on his 165-mile journey to raise money for The Maui Farm on April 14.

MAKAWAO — Maui resident Brian Sato plans to walk around the entire island of Maui in an effort to raise funds and awareness for The Maui Farm, a nonprofit organization located in Makawao.

His 165-mile journey is scheduled for April 14-25 and aims to raise $10,000 to support The Maui Farm’s programs and services for families.

To support Sato’s efforts and learn more about his walking route, visit www.themauifarm.org.

Sato, 64, has been committed to helping the Maui community, one step at a time, for many years.

Sato has done similar walks around the island of Maui and successfully raised funds for organizations such as Hale Makua, The Haku Baldwin Center and Ma Ka Hana Ka ‘Ike.

This will be his fourth walk, and this time he will be joined by fellow walker Ali Cotsoradis.

Together, they plan on starting their walks each day by 5 a.m. and walking 12 to 15 miles a day to pre-arranged campsites. With the assistance of volunteers, their equipment and food will be transported ahead to each campsite.

Sato’s passion for The Maui Farm grew from his experiences working as its facilities maintenance specialist.

He explained, “The Maui Farm is a safe haven for women and their children. People of all ages discover the joys of gardening, meeting and caring for farm friendly animals, and learning about how to care for themselves.

“Here (at The Maui Farm) they can overcome past hardships and other traumatizing situations. Here they can find support and empowerment. Here their children can play feeling safe and cared for.”

The executive director of The Maui Farm, Kandice Johns, said, “Brian gives The Maui Farm his all, and more, each day as an employee, keeping our facilities and farm running safely and smoothly… and being a kind, supportive ‘uncle’ for the many keiki who live at the farm.

“Volunteering his personal time to organize this walk to benefit The Maui Farm shows a true act of generosity and aloha.” Sato is a truly inspiring “good Samaritan” who has been devoted to helping those in need and caring for the island of Maui for decades.

His altruistic efforts also include coordinating gifts for residents of Hale Makua, planting a variety of native species in the Auwahi Dry Forest, volunteering with Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission on restoration trips, and assembling bikes for underprivileged youth annually.

Founded in 1985, The Maui Farm Inc. is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing transitional housing and farm-based, family-centered programs that teach essential life skills for self-sufficient living.

Learn more about The Maui Farm at www.themauifarm.org.