Locations Foundation Treats Keiki Healing from Grief and Trauma to a Morning in Nature
On a warm Saturday morning in November, Locations Foundation volunteers partnered with the Hawaii Nature Center to provide children from Kids Hurt Too Hawaii with an opportunity to experience the joy of nature in a beautiful, peaceful setting. Located in the Makiki Heights neighborhood, the Hawaii Nature Center’s mission is to instill an appreciation and understanding of Hawaii’s natural environment in children through hands-on learning.
With the guidance of Center staff, Foundation volunteers Realtors Devin Minardi, Dawn Horn and Wade Uehara, along with home loan consultant Del Brown of Hawaii Mortgage Group, helped the children to explore the area’s streams and sprawling trails. Using nets, keiki caught fish, shrimp and other creatures from the streams and then placed them into containers for observation. The children also collected various items from the trails to create terrariums.
“Hawaii Nature Center’s dedication to creating engaging and enjoyable activities truly shines through,” said Minardi, who also serves on the Foundation’s advisory board. “It was fantastic to witness the kids thoroughly enjoying themselves, and it was heartwarming to see parents joining in on the fun, too!”
The Foundation has long supported Kids Hurt Too, and volunteers enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the organization’s youth in a new setting.
About the Hawaii Nature Center
Hawaii Nature Center seeks to foster awareness, appreciation, understanding and stewardship of Hawaii’s environment by educating children with an interactive and immersive approach. More than 1 million students have experienced the wonders of nature through its children’s programs since in 1981. 20,000 students visit the Center annually, and more than 100 Oahu schools partner with the Center.
About Kids Hurt Too Hawaii
Kids Hurt Too Hawaii offers a free and safe place for children and youth experiencing grief and trauma, as well as support for their caregivers. The organization also provides support groups, crisis management and mentoring to children who have lost one or both parents.
Locations Foundation Supports Kaiulani Elementary’s Kids Heart Challenge
February is American Heart Month, and the Locations Foundation was proud to support Ka'iulani Elementary School’s American Heart Association of Hawaii Kids Heart Challenge day. This special event encouraged students to stay active, have fun and learn the importance of heart health through engaging activities.
101 Wishes Granted: Locations Foundation Helps to Ensure a Merry Christmas for Keiki in Need
This holiday season, the Locations Foundation had the honor of partnering with The Salvation Army, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division, to bring joy to children in need. Thanks to the generosity of our volunteers, we fulfilled the wishes of 101 children from The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program.
Locations Foundation Spreads Holiday Cheer to Keiki in Foster Care
Our Locations Foundation volunteers pitched in to spread cheer and create special memories for local children involved in foster care at the 26th annual Family Programs Hawaii holiday party. On Sunday, December 8, 2024, more than 1,200 volunteers from various companies and organizations came together at the Neal Blaisdell Center in Honolulu to create holiday magic for 900 keiki in Oahu's foster care system. The event featured festive decorations, favorite characters, gift-wrapped presents, activities and games, holiday music and delicious foods.
Surf’s Up: Locations Foundation and Surfers Healing Team Up to Support Children with Autism
On a sunny Saturday in November 2024, our Locations Foundation volunteers partnered with the nonprofit organization Surfers Healing in Waikiki to create a morning of fun in the surf for children with autism spectrum disorder and their families. This annual event brought together surf instructors, volunteers and families to experience the therapeutic and transformative power of the ocean.