Oahu

The very generous Windward community for donated 12 boxes full of school supplies for local area schools—and $640 in cash donations for items teachers need most. The Windward community's overwhelming care and interest in the local keikis’ education is what aloha is all about. Kudos to the eleven Windward Sunrise club members who donated their time on a Saturday!

 

In honor of May Mental Health Awareness Month, a total of 26 volunteers, over three days, with a total of 155.5 man hours, made this amazing mental health clinic transformation happen for Windward neighbors in need.

 

The Windward Community Mental Health Clinic had been neglected since the 1970s and did not project the care the Windward Sunrise Rotary Club feels towards the local residents and families grappling with the effects of houselessness, mental illness, and/or substance abuse issues. Rotarians from the Windward Sunrise Rotary Club, the E-Club, Honolulu Metro Rotary, the Windward Rotary Club, as well as clinical mental health professionals, family members, and community donated their time to this project over three days.

 

 A big shout out to Hawaii Hardware, whose generosity supplied nearly all the paint, nails, brushes, spackle, and wood beams. Habitat for Humanity Restore also contributed to the project with affordable decor and furniture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a beautiful day it was to enjoy fellowship and make a difference at a Rotary multi- club community event at the John A Burns School of Medicine/ H.O.M.E. Van. On Thursday, August 1st, Presidents from the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset, Pau Hana, Waikiki, Hickam Pearl Harbor, and Ala Moana organized members to put hygiene kits for homeless clients who came to get free medical care at the HOME (Homeless Outreach and Medical Education) Van.  After  receiving medical care, the families were served pizza, donated by Boston Pizza and Jane Ferreira, a Honolulu Sunset member. Additional treats of sweets for dessert were balanced with green veggies and dip, donated and served by the Rotarians.  The cupcakes were a hit to the young kids.  Cold drinks and ice provided by DGE Naomi Masuno from The Rotary Club of West Oahu, were appreciated as the volunteers were challenged by the humidity and warm air .

        After the hygiene kits and meals were served, the Rotarians gathered at the JABSOM school's cafeteria for a pot luck meal.  PDG Win's barbecue beef and James' kimchee fried rice were a delight to many, as they enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie with 50-60 fellow Rotarians.  Highlight of the evening was a talk by Program Director of the HOME Van, Michael McNulty, who shared his story about his own struggles with homelessness and how he became connected to the HOME VAN.  Kevin, a 2nd year medical student, shared how the HOME VAN helped him hone in on some clinical skills, being involved a a volunteer and also as part of the medical school's curriculum.  More so, he learned compassion for the less fortunate and the homeless population.  Both inspired many of the club leaders to explore getting involved and helping the mission of the H.O.M.E. Van. The H.O,M.E. Van does not receive any state funding, so they rely on grants and community donations. 

      Mahalo to Dr. James Ham, President of the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset, for leading this event and getting many clubs involved.  There were many countless and tireless hours planning and coordinating.....but with Rotarians, service above self connects us to the world outside of Rotary. We can make a difference in our own community!