Help Edwin and Ratna Rebuild in Lahaina

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Hello everyone,

You may have read about the devastating wildfire that has destroyed the historic city of Lahaina on the island of Maui. https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfire-maui-lahaina-f5a7047d407f836f89e90dd7f10faa94

This tragedy has hit very close to home. While I live in Colorado, my Uncle Edwin and his wife Ratna have lost their long-time home, car, and most of their possessions to the Lahaina Fire. Communication with them had been spotty, but they are currently safe in a shelter on Maui along with so many of the other residents who have lost their homes. No one knows how long they will have to stay in a shelter while the island rebuilds.

Edwin is a retired massage therapist and Ratna is a paraprofessional at the local elementary school, King Kamehameha. Their son Roy is currently a sophomore at the University of Hawaii on Ouahu. Edwin has been a resident of Maui for over 30 years and rebuilding will not be easy. As renters, they are uncertain about what can be replaced and recovered. We had the pleasure of visiting Maui last spring and stayed for some time with my uncle in their lovely but modest apartment, walking distance from Baby Beach and historic Front St. There is so much beauty and a strong community in Lahaina, it is no wonder that, despite this disaster, it remains their home.

It's easy to dismiss the tragedy in Lahaina as far away and affecting only lucky rich people who have to means to live elsewhere. This is not the case for the many service workers who keep the island running. All funds contributed will be transferred directly to Edwin and Ratna to help them secure housing and replace essentials lost in the fire.

I am asking for your help to support my family but if you would rather support the community as a whole, here are some other organizations to consider:

Maui Strong Fund: https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/strengthening/maui-strong-fund

Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement: https://www.memberplanet.com/campaign/cnhamembers/kakoomaui

Thank you for your support.

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