BWA Community Service Report
Hawaiian Shirts for Deployed Soldiers
BWA President, Jo desMarets sent 10 boxes containing 85 aloha shirts and other local items to Hawaiian shirts for Deployed Soldiers (HSFDS) in So. Carolina last month. Gwen Pollard, who started this non-profit in 2017, received the shipment from the Hawaii Betsuin Buddhist Women’s Association with great enthusiasm and deep gratitude.
In Gwen’s HSFDS Facebook post of Dec. 2, she wrote – “Big big thank you to Jo DesMartes (sp.) and the ladies of the BWA group in Honolulu, Hawaii! 85 Alohas – WOW! This beautiful collection is a group effort, an act of kindness that will make a memorable impression for those serving overseas. It has taken a lot of time and effort to make this happen. They rolled each shirt and added thank you notes to each one. No soldier will be left out when this sweepstakes arrives on base. I can see it now there will be so many smiles, laughs, and cheers! I would love to see it in person.
This donation also included some great things for our extras boxes as well! We have Hawaii totes, a great hat, lots of personal care pouches, and the cutest sandals. These are really cool.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Jo and ladies of the BWA. This is a labor of love! Your love for our heroes is evident. It is an honor to work alongside you to bring cheer to our deployed heroes who often go without hearing from home. They need to hear from us, they need to know that they are appreciated. You are making sure that they absolutely do. They will never forget this! THANK YOU!”
Honolulu United BWA Dana Award to Project Hawaii Dec. 8, 2024
HUBWA President, Lois Ohta and Dana Committee Chair, Liane Wong, presented a check to 2nd Year Dana Award recipient, Project Hawaii, at Windward City Shopping Ctr. on Dececember 8.
Project Hawaii co-founders, Cliff Kama Sr. and Migan Patrick, are a husband and wife duo who have been helping homeless keiki succeed since 2003. On Dec. 8, Cliff and Megan were collecting Christmas gift donations at the Windward City Shopping Ctr. for homeless keiki.
CARE Day cards with Bodhi Day theme December 2024
Compassion And Respect for the Elderly, or CARE Day has been observed in December for many years by the Hawaii Betsuin BWA. Hawaii Betsuin ministers and BWA volunteers visit four residential nursing homes, Hale O Meleana, Hale Ho Aloha, Leahi, and Maluhia once a month throughout the year to conduct a service. During the service in December, the BWA volunteers present a CARE Day card to each service attendee. The CARE Day cards have a Bodhi Day theme as the Buddha’s awakening is commemorated on Dec. 9
Rev. Char Kihara, Dianne Ida, and Gayle Hirohata-Goto visited Hale O Meleana on Fri., Dec. 13. Gayle noted, “Kawaji Sensei joined us for today’s service. He was in good spirits smiling and reciting the Nembutsu. We had 8 attendees in total today. Hale O Meleana was decked out with Christmas décor and was bustling with visitors. David said they are at 90% capacity. As always I am grateful for this opportunity to visit and see the residents. Their positivity and friendliness is an inspiration. Mahalo to Wendie for the cards, Dianne for always being our safe driver, Rev. Kihara for your message of finding commonalities in all religions, and Jo and Hasebe-sensei for coordinating our visits.” Dianne added, “Gayle prepared music and lyrics for a festive holiday sing along. Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Mele Kalikimaka, and White Christmas were the songs we sang. The smiles on the residents’ faces were heartwarming. Thanks, Gayle.”
Submitted by Wendie Yumori - January 2025
