HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0095.005 2018-2020 P/FC
MINTY CLERK
C%U TY OF HAWAII
From: Heart of the Wa"a Project
To: Council Testimony APR "2 `S 8, Vit;
Subject: Written Testimony-Paddling for Hope L t zt
Date: Monday,April 22,2019 6:12:12 AM
Aloha Finance Committee,
I would like to express my sincere support for the nonprofit, Paddling for Hope. The impact
Paddling for Hope has had on Hawaii Island in the short amount of time its been a 501c3 is
astounding to say the least. Every year, this nonprofit has managed to almost double their
amount of giving to support its mission of breast cancer awareness and education. Its founder,
Derek Park, has managed to find an innovative way to tackle the issue of identifying breast
cancer early on, and saving lives. More importantly, his approach towards funding the
nonprofit is self-sustaining, with room to grow.
The other key service Paddling for Hope provides for our island community, is cancer
survivor support. Having personally cared for family members with cancer,I can say that our
communities lack social and emotional support that cancer survivors so desperately need to
thrive.As a water enthusiast, and life-long paddler, I can attest to the power of ocean therapy.
Paddling for Hope provides ocean therapy and a sense of'ohana for cancer survivors, by
providing the opportunity for them to spend time on the water in his canoe. Of all the health
organizations that address the challenge of cancer, I know of none within the state that solely
focus on breast cancer prevention, and cancer survivor support.
The allocation of funds in support of Paddling for Hope will allow the nonprofit to support
twice the amount of cancer survivors with every canoe ride. The canoes themselves will last
well over thirty years with proper care, making it a sound financial investment for the
nonprofit. In turn, Paddling for Hope can double its impact working with organizations that it
already has established relationships with, which lessens the burden on those medical
organizations.
Knowing the large impact these funds will have on the community, at very little cost, I hope
the committee will consider the awarding of funds to Paddling for Hope. ,
Alexis Ching
HEART OF THE W A'A PROJECT •
ZEMMMEDEr
M (808)443-3166 E heartofthewaa@gmaii.com
W www.heartofthewaa.com
Coram. WT'�Ci
Ref.To:
Ref. Date APR.2,2.2019