Lahaina fire relief for Hula Girl crew members

My name is Sterling Bryson and I am raising funds for families that lost their homes in the Lahaina fire. This past summer I worked with an amazing crew of people aboard the Hula Girl--a catamaran based out of Lahaina. Two crew members, Shan and Sergio, both lost their homes to the fire. They are also parents with young children. Shan has a 10 & 12-year-old. Sergio and his wife have 3 children under 8. Luckily they evacuated in time. However, they lost almost all of their possessions in the fire.

There is also a Hula Girl couple, Maile and Keola that live on the West side, north of Lahaina. They didn't lose their home but have been without power and almost all communication for a week. Like Shan and Sergio, they have children at home. Life isn't getting easier for them and will need help, too.

Shan and Sergio's short-term housing need has been stabilized through the help and generosity of their friends, other crew members and their church. Now the need for food, clothes, shoes and basic living essentials is great.

Direct cash input for them to spend as needed is the best way I feel I can help them get back on their feet. Your cash input can help make a difference, too.

Shan and Sergio lived in the same neighborhood behind Lahaina town. All of their neighbors and friends there lost homes, too. Shan and Sergio can then use any extra donation money to help those they know that are struggling even more than they are. This GoFundMe is a great way to give to families directly impacted by the tragedy.

I had a magical summer living in West Maui and working aboard the Hula Girl. The friendships I made with the crew I feel will last a lifetime; it was such a special group. When the fires started I was just offshore of Lahaina onboard the Hula Girl. It all happened so fast. It was surreal. It was horrifying. The worst part for me was the sense of helplessness at the moment.

For those of us largely unaffected by these tragedies, we often feel a strong sense of gratitude for all we do have. It is that feeling that drives us to give and support those suffering. Please, if you have more to give, consider donating directly to these families that lost their homes and they can then further support their community with your help.