Help Afa and Bev
Donation protected
Aloha friends near and far!
Thank you for the many calls checking on Afa and Bev. No one is ever truly prepared for what nature has in store, especially when there are only a few days to prepare for an unexpected evacuation. Afa and Bev are now faced with the reality of losing their entire orchid farm that they have owned and successfully operated for the last 30 years.
As many of you may have seen, the effects on the vegetation in the Opihikau area has been catastrophic. Afa’s land is no exception. Their orchid farm is their sole source of income and has been greatly affected by the recent volcanic events and the sulfur dioxide gases that have settled heavily in the Opihikau area and on their land. Most of the 20,000 plus orchid plants that make up their farm have been affected and are most likely not salvageable.
Afa and Bev have done everything possible in the last week to save what they can. They hustled to move a small amount of plants to a farm in Hilo. They also consulted local scientist for their expert advice and did what they suggested but unfortunately the level of contaminates in the air are too strong for the plants and the remaining plants are devastated. Without fresh healthy plants to sell they are facing a long channel of financial uncertainty, battling incredible seas with no paddle.
For those of you who may not know them, Afa is and has been the head coach of Puna Canoe Club for many years. Selflessly dedicating his life to the perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture in outrigger canoeing, malama aina (taking care of the land) and malama na keiki (taking care of the children). Bev is his devoted, loyal wife and life partner who has worked as hard supporting her husband in all endeavors. They are the true definition of aloha and hard work. For those of you who do know them, they never ask for anything and are always the ones helping everyone else.
If you were one of the many who called or messaged asking “How can I help?” or if you simply came across this post and want to give to a couple that has “selflessly given” to so many all these years. We want to help them during this rough time and want to help calm the rough seas they are facing. PLEASE donate now and Please be assured all donations will go directly to Afa and Bev. Here is a video showing the plants now (May 14), mahalo!
The first photo with Afa is one week prior before the toxic gases got to their farm, and the second photo is as of Saturday in the same area.
As part of Go Fund Me's service we need to provide some additional information to follow but would like to thank each one for you love, shares and donations. I know it means a lot to Bev and Afa to know they are loved.
We are friends of Bev and Afa and will deposit all donations into their account at First Hawaiian Bank. The funds will be used to supplement the current operating expenses which may include new inventory and possible relocation as well as support current existing expenses incurred prior to lava event.
Kim Kimi & Breeani Sumera-Lee
Thank you for the many calls checking on Afa and Bev. No one is ever truly prepared for what nature has in store, especially when there are only a few days to prepare for an unexpected evacuation. Afa and Bev are now faced with the reality of losing their entire orchid farm that they have owned and successfully operated for the last 30 years.
As many of you may have seen, the effects on the vegetation in the Opihikau area has been catastrophic. Afa’s land is no exception. Their orchid farm is their sole source of income and has been greatly affected by the recent volcanic events and the sulfur dioxide gases that have settled heavily in the Opihikau area and on their land. Most of the 20,000 plus orchid plants that make up their farm have been affected and are most likely not salvageable.
Afa and Bev have done everything possible in the last week to save what they can. They hustled to move a small amount of plants to a farm in Hilo. They also consulted local scientist for their expert advice and did what they suggested but unfortunately the level of contaminates in the air are too strong for the plants and the remaining plants are devastated. Without fresh healthy plants to sell they are facing a long channel of financial uncertainty, battling incredible seas with no paddle.
For those of you who may not know them, Afa is and has been the head coach of Puna Canoe Club for many years. Selflessly dedicating his life to the perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture in outrigger canoeing, malama aina (taking care of the land) and malama na keiki (taking care of the children). Bev is his devoted, loyal wife and life partner who has worked as hard supporting her husband in all endeavors. They are the true definition of aloha and hard work. For those of you who do know them, they never ask for anything and are always the ones helping everyone else.
If you were one of the many who called or messaged asking “How can I help?” or if you simply came across this post and want to give to a couple that has “selflessly given” to so many all these years. We want to help them during this rough time and want to help calm the rough seas they are facing. PLEASE donate now and Please be assured all donations will go directly to Afa and Bev. Here is a video showing the plants now (May 14), mahalo!
The first photo with Afa is one week prior before the toxic gases got to their farm, and the second photo is as of Saturday in the same area.
As part of Go Fund Me's service we need to provide some additional information to follow but would like to thank each one for you love, shares and donations. I know it means a lot to Bev and Afa to know they are loved.
We are friends of Bev and Afa and will deposit all donations into their account at First Hawaiian Bank. The funds will be used to supplement the current operating expenses which may include new inventory and possible relocation as well as support current existing expenses incurred prior to lava event.
Kim Kimi & Breeani Sumera-Lee
Organizer
Friends of Afa and Bev
Organizer
Hilo, HI
