Thanks To All

I can never say thank u enough for all u have done to make this event such an awesome happening. You were all a part of the vision and action of hope for such an incredible event that bought tons of people joy to their hearts.

I didn’t attach any names to the pics just in case there are some of u uncomfortable with that. But because it was a public event in the park, I thought that would be ok. I sure hope so.

My intent is for those of u who could not be there, will get a chance to see just how wonderful it was.

This was our first time in all our history having enough food where we were even able to bring it well passed our own lines to share with many that weren’t able to come and join us. It was that great!!

From All of us at the Kau Kau Wagon

MAHALO TO U ALL
MELE KALIKIMAKA,
Have a wonderful, safe, blessed healthy and Happy New Year as Well. U all deserve the blessings many times over!!

From Lt. Governor Aiona

WOW this is really quite humbling.  I am so thankful Duke Aiona and his staff has shared with us this event for so many years.  Always down to earth, positive and real.  It really is true, because of him and his staff, more people in need will have a better chance at getting those needs met due to his advocacy in the change of the law.  He and Suzanne Chun both pushed hard for this. Both quality people.  For me to read this made me feel honored and humbled.  Anyway just had to share it all with you.  Big Hugs and Thank you all again for making this happen!  P.S.  If any of you were not able to see the pic events, please let me know and I will try another way to send them.  Mahalo

Here’s what was posted on Lt. Governor Aiona’s email:

Lt. Governor Aiona participated in an annual outreach effort last Saturday organized by Kau Kau Wagon, a community service organization, to provide turkey dinners and support for those in need at Gateway Park in downtown Honolulu.  “The lines are getting longer for people having problems putting food on the table,” said Lt. Governor Aiona, who was a volunteer server of the free meals.  “We have an obligation to care for those around us with the greatest needs.”  The event, called “Thanksgiving of Hope,” was part of Kau Kau Wagon’s efforts to reduce hunger in the state.  “This all started with one person’s vision of helping people, ” Lt. Governor Aiona led an effort earlier this year to eliminate a barrier to preparing meals for the homeless.  Unler the new rules enacted by the Lingle-Aiona Administration, organizations and individuals that prepare free meals for the homeless are exempt from certain Department of Health permit requirements.  Exemptions apply to kitchens that are used to provide food for the homeless individuals at no cost.  “The emergency rule was a significant step to reduce hunger in Hawaii because it gives nonprofit organizations and other residents the ability to prepare meals for those facing difficult times,” Lt. Governor Aiona said.  Before the rule change, groups had to prepare meals in a Department of Health permitted kitchen.  “As a result, we saw a severe shortage in the number of organizations willing to provide meals to the homeless,” Lt. Governor Aiona said.  “Now, there should be no excuses for not feeding the hungry.”

Calling ALL Our Angels

Many of you that know me well, know the Kau Kau Wagon has been a huge part of my heart for over 20 years. It has been a blessing in the ability to help those in need in our community. It has been a part of a solution. Most important is has provided HOPE to those in need in our community.
Trying to continue to meet the growing need demands in the community has always been a challenge. But by all means a worthy challenge.
I don’t know exactly where or who to turn to. We have been doing the Kau Kau Wagon for 20 years thanks to all of you. Most of the funding has been out of pocket. However over the years we have grown quite a bit. We have expanded what we do and for more people in the community, including a dog therapy program and helping those in Mayor Wrights Housing with donations.
I have a huge concern right now. We desperately in need of a secure large space very soon, where we can store our supplies, such as our hot dog carts, rice cookers, shave ice, cups, bags, food, cloths etc. and to be able cook, store and prep our food items. Enough room for about 20 volunteers to help.
We have our things in three different places. We can’t afford it all.
We rent the kitchen space with the use of their walk in fridge and freezer. It isn’t a secure space, some of our things like the lunch meat, cheese, jumbo cooler and other stuff had been taken. It has been costly to replace.
I have some of the stuff at my house such as the cheese meat and coolers and some of the other donations. But my house is by no means the right size for all this. However on the bright side, my security system of Great Danes, helps. lol
My friend has been great in letting us keep some of our bigger items, like major supplies at her warehouse by the airport. That was things like the cloths donations, hot dog carts, shave ice machines, giant rice cookers, freezers, and all our bulk supplies. However the TSA rules have become extra strict this year and we have to find another place very soon. Our huge hope will be a space in the area between Pearl City to Downtown. One place for everything.
A place we can access 24/7, a place we can lock our stuff up and not worry about it. A place where we would have enough space to be able to accept more items of cloths, food items and things we can pass out to those we serve.
We serve all anyone who needs for whatever reason they may have, not just homeless. Many are Seniors, Vets, handicap, mentally ill, substance abusers, fixed income, families. We don’t turn away one. Never have unless they are a danger to others.
We have operated 100% from volunteers. 100% of what we get goes back out.
Maybe you know of someone that can help us. Or maybe you know of some ways we can fund raise finances quickly so we can try and find a place we can afford to meet our needs.
Any help at all in any way would be more then appreciated. A friend of mine told me if I can raise 3k, he would match it to help us. Fund raising has never been my strong point. For the majority of years we have operated from funds that came from my friends, family and me, working OT and so forth.
The only time I had to really ask for help was our holiday meals.
I don’t have that kind of income anymore. I really believe in what we do and why and the difference we make together.
Thank you so much for any help at all.
Mahalo
398 6665
Sharon / Kalona and staff