KOLOA — The nonprofit organization Our Kupuna is now offering free delivery service for people ages 65 and older on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island and in Maui County.
The volunteer-driven nonprofit was launched online on March 23 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization under a Hawai‘i Veterans Affairs foundation, and aims to protect Hawai‘i kupuna and provide them with necessities like groceries and toiletries.
People aged 65 or older can sign up and be connected with volunteers at check in weekly and provide deliveries of food, medicine and other necessities straight to their doors, with no delivery fees.
Founder of Our Kupuna, Gabe Amey, said it’s a way to return the care kupuna have invested into the younger generations.
“During difficult times, we all have the ability to help in one way or another,” Amey said. “People may not have money to donate, but maybe they can do a little extra grocery shopping for one kupuna in their community.
“That’s what this program is about — how we can collectively come together and use our resources to help each other get through these challenging times,” said Amey. “Our kupuna have taken care of us. This is how we can now take care of them.”
During the COVID-19 stay-at-home order, Hawai‘i residents 65 and over are encouraged to minimize their exposure to the coronavirus by limiting their travel to public spaces.
Many of Our Kupuna’s clients in the past three weeks have benefited from volunteers delivering groceries and medication to their home or building. Our Kupuna clients are thankful for the volunteers going shopping and delivering necessities right to their door, said Amey.
Volunteers are connected with a kupuna, and then the volunteers shop for the kupuna. Upon delivery, the kupuna will reimburse the volunteer for the cost of the supplies.
Jane Tayloff of Koloa is one of the first few to have a sponsor on Kaua‘i helping her with getting supplies, medicines and foods she needs.
“It’s a comfort to know that my volunteer is there that can bring me things,” said Tayloff. “It’s a good thing that we both are in this together.”
To receive free delivery service, call (808) 400-4506, visit ourkupuna.com or email aloha@ourkupuna.com.
Program Director Vince Abramo is looking for volunteers to sponsor kupuna in their communities. “If you’re interested in volunteering, you will be reimbursed at the time of delivery,” said Abramo.
To be a sponsor or volunteer, go to www.ourkupuna.com/volunteer.
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Stephanie Shinno, features and community reporter, can be reached at 245-0424 or sshinno@thegardenisland.com.
