HONOLULU — Aloha United Way will launch its annual workplace giving campaign season involving local companies, organizations, and government agencies on August 9, 2023, from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of Bishop Street and King Street in front of the hosting organization - Bank of Hawaii. The sign-waving event is a well-known, decades-long tradition and the nonprofit and business community are invited to join the celebration.
“The critical needs of our people cannot be solved by one individual or group” said Emmaly Calibraro, Vice President of Resource Development for Aloha United Way. “The collective leadership and generosity in the programs that bring financial literacy for economic stability and better access to safe and affordable housing demonstrate the care our community has for our people. Our downtown rally is a great display of non-profits, business sector and others sharing in the common goal of rallying for change.”
Momi Akimseu, Bank of Hawai‘i Foundation President, shared: "It's amazing to see the reach and impact of Aloha United Way’s critical work in our island home. We're proud to help kick off AUW's 2023 Workplace Giving Campaign and are excited to get our own company-wide effort underway in a few weeks to support the incredible nonprofits in our communities."
Last year, Aloha United Way invested nearly $13 million into the community, facilitated more than 42,000 requests to the AUW 211 resource helpline and supported nearly 320 non-profit partner agencies. The ALICE Initiative partners advocated for change and that movement resulted in unprecedented legislative victories. ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and is a way to describe people in Hawaiʻi who are working but whose income barely covers essential expenses, with little to no safety net for emergencies.
“This rally is going to be a kickoff and a celebration,” says John Fink, CEO & President of Aloha United Way. Aloha United Way is inviting community members to show their support of local non-profit agencies and to help kick-off a strong giving campaign. “We’re asking people to help us change tomorrow, by giving today. Our campaign theme of “It’s more than a donation” stresses the importance of collective impact. It’s so easy to tell ourselves that tomorrow is okay, we’ll do it later. But we’re building the future now,” said Calibraro.
For those who want to give or begin a workplace campaign, visit www.auw.org/start-workplace-campaign-today or email Emmaly Calibraro, Aloha United Way Vice President of Resource Development at Emmaly@auw.org
About Aloha United Way
Founded in 1919, Aloha United Way brings resources, organizations and businesses together to advance the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community. AUW has evolved over the years and adapted to meet our community’s greatest needs focusing on amplifying non-profit agencies and their work as well as the 211 statewide helpline, ALICE Initiative and Safety Net Fund. A member of United Way Worldwide, AUW supports nonprofits and communities on Oahu. For more information, visit AUW.org.