In times of crisis, communities often shine their brightest, displaying unwavering unity and generosity. The recent events that have affected Maui have been nothing short of challenging, but amidst the difficulties, there's a story of hope, compassion, and collective effort.
Our hearts go out to Maui and all those affected by the August wildfires. As residents of Lahaina return to their homes for the first time since the deadly fires, we are grateful for the remarkable work being done by M. Dyer Global and King's Cathedral and Chapel, in collaboration with the community, to provide emergency relief to those in need.
Maui, one of many breathtaking islands in Hawaii, experienced a surge in the need for emergency relief as communities grappled with the aftermath of recent disasters.
“I've been blessed to call Hawaii home for thirteen years and, over the years, Hawaiian culture has become an integral part of my identity. The moment I heard about the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, I felt a deep connection to the situation,” said Anthony Shipp, President & CEO, M.Dyer Global. “Maui is not just another island but part of our 'ohana (family). When a member of our 'ohana is in need, we reach out with open arms and the aloha spirit. It was a call of duty more than anything else.”
Within hours of the news, several employees came to me directly. They asked for my permission to start a GoFundMe for affected employees, and immediately, I knew the impact was close to home.
Shipp continues, "One of those employees was Tasha Kaiwi, an inbound commercial coordinator for M.Dyer, and she's originally from the island of Maui. Her entire family was from Lahaina, Maui, and four generations of houses within her family were burned to the ground."
"I went home that evening and intended to help her and any other M.Dyer employees directly impacted. After thinking about it and sleeping on it, I knew the following morning I had to do something; it had to be immediate, and it had to be BIG! I decided we would bring to bear the entire strength of M.Dyer, our logistics capability and
Seeing fellow Hawaiians in need, M. Dyer Global, a respected name in logistics and moving services, decided to take immediate action. Their warehouse on Oahu became a hub for goodwill, collecting donations from both individuals in the community and various organizations.
“With the immense support of the Oahu community, we gathered and delivered over 200,000 pounds of supplies within three days,” Shipp said. “These supplies were a lifeline for many, providing essential items such as food, water, clothing, and first-aid equipment. This immediate response ensured that the people of Maui did not have to wait for help, providing some relief during an incredibly challenging time.”
These donations ranged from non-perishable food items to essential supplies that could make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by the recent events. In total, they collected nearly 6,000 meals for the Maui community.
M. Dyer Global has been a part of Move For Hunger for a decade and they’ve shown their commitment to supporting their community time and time again - none more important than the incredible resources they put together to support the Maui relief efforts.
M. Dyer Global connected with King's Cathedral and Chapels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community, to distribute the essential supplies.
“M.Dyer Global and its dedicated team have put in countless hours to organize, package, and transport the donations. From our warehouse staff to our drivers, everyone willingly gave their time and skills, working long hours to ensure the relief reached Maui promptly,” Shipp continued. “During challenging times like these, we truly see the beauty of the human spirit. Let’s continue to spread the aloha wherever we go.”
As we applaud the incredible efforts of M. Dyer Global, King's Cathedral, and the entire community involved in this relief mission, we invite you to join us in making a difference.
Hunger relief efforts are ongoing, and your support can have a profound impact on the lives of those affected. Consider making a donation today to help ensure that communities in need, like Maui, receive the assistance they deserve.
