HONOLULU (KHON2) — This holiday season, the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise has teamed up with Foodland and the Salvation Army for the “Share a Holiday Feast” project that is providing a much-needed helping hand to local families in need.
According to Bill Gaeth, past president of the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise, the project aims to ensure that those who might not otherwise have access to a traditional holiday meal can enjoy one.
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Gaeth shared that the initiative started a few weeks ago when the Rotary members discussed the idea of supporting the Foodland/Salvation Army program.
“We just thought that was a fun, little thing to do this holiday season,” Gaeth said. Within minutes of the discussion, a member of the club had already donated $100, and the donations continued to pour in. “We went from an idea to $2,000 in donations in about three weeks,” Gaeth said.
The project has been running for several years and allows donors to purchase gift cards for deserving families. These cards can be used to buy turkeys or other groceries from Foodland stores.
“We like to think in terms of turkeys, but quite frankly, a lot of people might choose something else,” Gaeth explained.
The gift cards are valid at Foodland and its partner stores to provide flexibility for families and to ensure they can purchase the items they need.
This year, the Rotary Club’s $2,000 donation was matched by its foundation and provided 100 turkeys to Oʻahu families.
“This initiative reflects the Rotary Club’s commitment to service above self,” Gaeth said as he emphasized the club’s dedication to giving back, especially during the holidays.
“The idea is to give people $20 they didn’t have two weeks ago, whether they buy turkeys or something else,” he added.
The Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise has supported various local charities in the past, including Aloha Harvest, IHS and Catholic Charities.
This year’s collaboration with Foodland and the Salvation Army continues their tradition of supporting those who need it most during the holiday season.
Gaeth noted that the program’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the generous donations from both club members and the community.
“It’s amazing how quickly people stepped up to help,” he said. With the donations from the Rotary Club and its members, many families will be able to enjoy a festive meal this holiday season.
The “Share a Holiday Feast” initiative is just one example of how the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise continues to live out its motto of “Service Above Self”.
For more information about the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise and its community service efforts, click here.
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By bringing together resources and community spirit, they make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most during the holidays.
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