2012 Maui Youth Club Grant Program

$10,000 was raised for four Maui youth clubs as part of a campaign initiated by the Alexander & Baldwin Foundation.  In an innovative way to choose recipients of the grant, the foundation gathered votes from attendees of the 2012 Maui Fair.  HC&S employees volunteered their time to increase the community’s awareness of Maui’s youth centers as safe places to socialize and play, and to encourage fairgoers to vote for their favorite Maui youth club. Each vote directed a $10 donation from A&B and there were nearly 1,000 individuals who took part.

On Wednesday, November 14th, the grants were presented to:

  • Kihei Youth Center
  • Pa`ia Youth & Cultural Center
  • Hana Youth Center
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui

The program is part of A&B’s effort to support Maui Youth Clubs and Centers that provide safe recreational venues for Maui’s youth. Safe places are needed as the agricultural land that surrounds local communities are dangerous places to recreate. East Maui Irrigation, a part of the A&B family, is concerned about these areas and have embarked on the ‘Stay away and stay Safe’ campaign, which educates the community that our island’s irrigation ditches are not for recreation. The campaign encourages Maui’s youth to stay safe, have fun and make friends at their local youth club or center.

Susun White, director of Pa’ia Youth and Cultural Center, is so grateful for the support and adds, “A&B have been good partners over the years. We’re so excited, the funds will be used to support the Malama Pono Project Venture Program- our youth leadership program.”

Executive Director of the Kihei Youth Center Lehuanani Huddleston-Hafoka adds that “the recent grant from A&B EMI Ditch Safety Program helps fund our many programs.  Their funding is so valuable, especially at this time, as our membership has been steadily growing; the youth of our community are seeking a safe, nurturing and fun place, so thanks to A&B we are able to offer our youth a place to “call their own!”

It’s important to keep our keiki safe by providing a safe place for them to have fun. Parents need to direct their children away from the ditches, reservoirs, and dirt roads that service the agricultural lands. These places are used by equipment and machinery which can be dangerous for children — and adults.

Remember to look for the HC&S booth at the next Maui Fair so you can vote, directing a $10 donation from  A&B  to your favorite youth program!