Join us in conversation with Vivien Dude from GEM, to discuss the devastating situation in Hawaii and what companies can do to support relief efforts in the region.
- Situation brief and on-ground update
- Impact and support needed in the immediate aftermath
- Long term implications and support needed
- How can your organization help
The webinar highlighted urgent relief efforts following the devastating Maui wildfires, which displaced thousands and caused over 100 deaths. Tim Anson (Goodera) and Vivienne Dude (GEM) emphasized critical needs like housing, hygiene kits, blankets, first aid supplies, and solar lamps. Cash donations and partnerships with local organizations were identified as the most effective means to deliver aid efficiently.
Volunteers, whether on-site or remote, play a crucial role in assembling kits, supporting frontline workers, and preparing communities for future disasters. Attendees were advised to limit nonessential travel and align efforts with local needs. The discussion underscored the importance of sustained, long-term support for rebuilding efforts, highlighting how corporate and individual contributions can foster resilience and aid in recovery.
Q: Who are the panelists and what are their roles?
A:
- Tim Anson (Goodera): Associate Director, Global Engagement Solutions, focusing on employee volunteering and global community engagement.
- Vivienne Dude (GEM): Leads the volunteer department at Global Empowerment Mission, overseeing volunteer mobilization, in-kind donations, and disaster relief across locations including Maui, Ukraine, Turkey, California, Poland, and Guatemala.
Q: What is the current situation in Maui?
A: Vivienne explained the wildfires are still active, with severe consequences:
- Casualties: 111 confirmed deaths, ~1,300 unaccounted for
- Shelters: 11 operating, housing 3,500–5,000 displaced individuals
- Immediate needs: Short-term housing, supplies, and incidentals
- GEM has relocated 1,000 people via Airbnb and local partnerships
- Emphasis on balancing immediate relief with long-term recovery planning
Q: Short-term implications?
A: Urgent needs include housing, efficient logistics for supplies, cash donations, and distribution of necessity and family relief kits. Focus is on alleviating suffering quickly.
Q: Long-term implications?
A: Rebuilding will require construction materials, sustained donor support as media attention fades, and evolving donations and volunteering efforts aligned with the community’s ongoing needs.
Q: How can organizations contribute?
A:
- In-kind donations: Supplies, blankets, hygiene kits, pet care kits
- Financial donations: Support GEM’s operations and recovery hubs
- Volunteer activities: Kit assembly, frontline support, community preparedness
- Remote contributions: Virtual volunteering, kit assembly, guidebook creation
Q: Volunteer activities available:
- In-person: Construct solar lamps, assemble no-sew blankets, prepare first aid/survival kits
- Remote/Virtual: Assemble hygiene kits, create safety guidebooks, send thank-you notes
Q: Immediate resource needs:
- Hygiene kits (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, feminine care)
- Blankets, bedding, tarps, tents, cots, mobile trailers
- First aid/survival kits, solar lamps, pet care kits
Q: Supporting frontline workers:
- Coordinate with local organizations
- Avoid overloading frontline staff
- Provide appreciation messages and thank-you cards
Q: Financial donations:
- Online: www.globalempowermentmission.org/donate
- CNN Impact: cnn.com/impact
- Recurring via Giving Circle
- Contact for guidance: vivienne@globalempowermentmission.org
Q: Travel guidance:
- Limit nonessential travel to Maui
- Coordinate with local organizations for volunteering
- Respect community needs and avoid creating logistical bottlenecks
Q: Remote employee engagement:
- Assemble hygiene or relief kits from home
- Prepare thank-you notes
- Coordinate with other remote volunteers for measurable impact
