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Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the fires in Maui and Big Island.
It's a devastating situation that's hard to fully grasp for those of us who aren't directly impacted. As of September 8th, and according to the media, 115 people have been confirmed dead. The scale of destruction is heartbreaking, with more than 2,200 buildings reduced to rubble. It's heart-wrenching to think about the difficulty in identifying those who've lost their lives. People, both residents and volunteers, are facing incredible challenges, like the fact that there's just one road to Lahaina, making it nearly impossible to get in and out. Many are left sleeping in their cars. Communication has been severed due to the destruction of cell phone towers and infrastructure. And even getting hold of necessary medications has become a struggle. To add to the gravity of the situation, Hawaii's Governor has warned that this is just the beginning of a long journey of recovery.
In the midst of this tragedy, it's heartening to see how many companies, non-profits, and individuals have stepped up to offer help. They've provided essential resources, both in terms of time and money, to address immediate needs.
On a personal note, I've received calls and messages from people who want to contribute in some way, either to the broader relief efforts or to specific groups affected. For those who are considering lending a hand, here's how we encourage you to help.
We've chose to support Maui via The Maui Strong Fund. It's a fund managed by Hawaii Community Foundation where 100% of the funds will be distributed for community needs.