WoodmenLife Chapter Contributed to Maui Wildfires Recovery Effort

The Maui wildfires recovery effort faces a long road. The 2023 fires were the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii history, killing more than 100 people and burning more than 17,000 acres. They displaced thousands — many of whom are still without their homes — and caused billions of dollars in damage.

WoodmenLife and the Maui Wildfires Recovery Effort

After the wildfires, WoodmenLife Chapter 1 in Honolulu, HI, was looking to help. The chapter was invited to an American Red Cross fundraiser to support the organization’s Maui wildfires recovery effort, and WoodmenLife Recruiting Sales Manager Chris Nguyen was ready.

“We could’ve written a check,” he said, “but no one would’ve known about it.”

His wasn’t a statement of showmanship, but rather one of leadership.

Chapter 1 didn’t make the first donation that evening, but it led the way when Nguyen announced a $10,000 gift. The chapter’s donation created momentum that ended up generating nearly $40,000 for the American Red Cross’ recovery effort.

The occasion was a success for the chapter — the only one in the state — because members had hoped to use it to do good in their community and showcase WoodmenLife.

“It wasn’t just the money,” Nguyen said. “We got to know people in the community, and they got to know us.”

He was happy to share the WoodmenLife story with curious attendees after the event. And Chapter 1 members were happy to receive a thank-you letter from the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross has been instrumental in the Maui wildfires recovery effort from the beginning. The organization provided immediate relief to the affected population, and its aid has focused on providing necessities like food and shelter.

The American Red Cross has reached more than 30,000 people with disaster relief — providing more than 2.5 million meals and snacks and more than 1.2 million overnight shelter and hotel stays.

Committed to Making a Difference

Like their fellow members on the mainland, WoodmenLife’s Hawaii members are happiest when they’re making a difference. Nguyen said Chapter 1 looks to serve the state’s homeless population, much of which is on their home island of Oahu.

Nguyen called it a privilege to be a community resource.

In addition to helping the homeless, Chapter 1 members are committed to honoring nurses and Veterans and fighting hunger. They’re also eager to help wherever they’re needed — like their donation to the Maui wildfires recovery effort.

It’s all about showing how WoodmenLife serves our hometowns across the country.

“We get involved to make a difference in our community,” Nguyen said, “and to tell the WoodmenLife story.”

Visit WoodmenLife.org/About for more information about WoodmenLife’s community outreach activities.

Click on WoodmenLife.org/Natural-Disaster to learn how WoodmenLife is committed to helping members when a natural disaster strikes their community.

Contact your local WoodmenLife chapter to get involved in making a difference in your area.

Read More

Nebraska Chapter Helped When a Local Family Faced Homelessness

Iowa Chapter Brings Community Together for First Responders

WEB770