LIHU‘E — On Wednesday, Donna Rice, a Kaua‘i representative of the Hawai‘i Association of Realtors, finished the food-distribution process by visiting both the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i Branch and the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank.
Rice also presented monetary proceeds of the #OneCanIfCan Food Drive hosted by the HAR Charitable Foundation throughout the state.
The #OneCanIfCan drive finished by raising $5,923.10, which was shared equally by the two food banks on Kaua‘i. In addition to the financial total, the drive produced 1,077 pounds of non-perishable food that was equally shared between the food banks.
The #OneCanIfCan drive marked the first time the HAR Charitable Foundation promoted a food drive, and the organization expressed surprise by its members’ and the community’s generous giving during this time of need by so many, states a release from the HAR.
On Kaua‘i, the participating Realtors included Kaua‘i Realty Inc., Corcoran Pacific Properties, Sotherby’s Oceanfront International Realty, Old Republic Title &Escrow, Kaua‘i Board of Realtors. Kalaheo Cafe and the fire stations across the island served as collection points.
“We thank each and every one who participated and gave a donation,” Rice said. “The #OneCanIfCan Food Drive was a statewide drive with Kaua‘i county collecting higher donations than the other counties in the money drive. Kaua‘i also finished second behind O‘ahu for non-perishable foods.”
Statewide, the HRCF raised $14,000 and collected 3,700 pounds of food. These donations will provide tens of thousands of meals to Hawai‘i families during this critical time, the release states.
However, more donations are needed to continue providing food supplies throughout the pandemic.
The HRFC provided each island with a contribution of $12,500 in April. On Kaua‘i, that allocation was also shared equally between the two food banks.
The HRCF was established in early 2020 with a mission to serve communities throughout Hawai‘i by supporting charitable and nonprofit organizations and their efforts to support those in need.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
