Supporting the victims of the Maui Fires

This week TRF launched a fundraising campaign alongside members of the Hawaii Rugby Union to support the 1400 plus people who have lost their homes in the devastating fires in Maui and who are now being sheltered in centres such as the War Memorial Park in Kahului.

Our team of supporters who live on Maui and who have already been assisting families who have lost everything including relatives, say there is a growing need for support right now that goes beyond food, water and wash kits. Families with young children are living in make shift shelters with only the clothes that they were wearing as they fled the flames. One family told us that the children can wear the same t-shirt and shorts for days but they need clean underwear. Traumatised children need comfort, perhaps the kind that comes from a cuddly toy and others need to keep hold of their childhood through play.

With the War Memorial Park being used as a shelter and distribution centre for aid, it is very close to the hearts of the rugby community on Maui, many of whom are supporting the victims in any way that they can.

Together with the rugby community, TRF is aiming to initially raise $25,000 via our GoFundMe page

to purchase gift cards from stores such as WalMart and Target so that the families are able to start rebuilding.

Ma'afu Wendt, President of the Hawaii Rugby Union states, "The fires in Maui have impacted all of us across Hawaii and our prayers to brothers and sisters on Maui. I personally know families who have lost loved ones and the survivors have lost almost everything. They need a lot of help for essentials."

Whatever you can donate, we will ensure that 100% of it goes to help the families of Maui through these dark and difficult times with the support of The Rugby Foundation and the wider rugby family.