From left: Joy Madriaga of Ohana Fuels presents a check from the ʻFuel Up. Do Good.’ program to Charis Higginson, Briana Torres, Kimberly Brown and Stephanie Beeby of Humanity Hale. Photo courtesy of Humanity Hale
Humanity Hale’s ‘ohana, board members and mentors recently waved signs and staffed car washes in front of Kohanaiki Minit Stop to raise money for underserved youth. A total of $6,801.48 was raised from the car washes and support from Ohana Fuels’ ʻFuel Up. Do Good.’ program, which is offered at more than eight Hawai‘i Island Ohana Fuels locations. During the campaign, every time a driver filled up with Ohana Fuels Top Tier gasoline, a portion of the proceeds went towards supporting Humanity Hale.
“It was really amazing to have the whole community come together for this,” Charis Higginson, founder of Humanity Hale, explained. “We are so appreciative to Ohana Fuels for this donation and looking forward to giving back to our Big Island youth.”
“We’re grateful for this opportunity to partner with Humanity Hale,” said Kimo Haynes, president of Hawaii Petroleum. “Their work with at-risk and foster keiki is invaluable for our community and we want to thank the community for supporting them through the ‘Fuel Up. Do Good.’ program.”
Since its inception in 2019, Humanity Hale has been a sanctuary for Big Island’s at-promise youth, aged eight and above. Through free healing and educational programs, the non-profit addresses deep-seated cultural, historical and intergenerational traumas. By embracing and renewing Hawaiian culture, it uplifts the undervalued youth of Hawaiʻi, ensuring they’re not alone on their healing journeys.
Humanity Hale’s mission is to provide a safe haven for keiki and ‘opio, guiding them through challenges with unwavering support. A community of volunteer mentors, peers and students is a testament to their dedication. Together, they offer life-enhancing programs encompassing education, art, life skills, abuse prevention, diversity training and 24/7 trauma support. The belief of Humanity Hale is simple yet powerful: “by investing in our children, we shape the trajectory of their lives.” Through contributions, Humanity Hale is confident in being able to sustain its goals of up leveling trauma support programs and near future goals of creating a group foster home and a community center for youth aging out of foster care.
“We are grateful to Ohana Fuels for their generous participation in our mission and exemplifying the spirit of our cause,” added Higginson. “As we move forward, let’s be architects of hope, builders of promise and catalysts of transformation. Join Humanity Hale in shaping a brighter future for Hawai‘i’s youth.”
There are several ways to support Hawaiʻi’s keiki and ‘opio in their trauma support. Humanity Hale is hosting its second group foster home fundraising event with a Fall Fest Fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 21 at The Bolton Farm’s in Holualoa. Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/694439165237?aff=oddtdtcreator