November 29, 2024, 5:21 AM HST witnessed an extraordinary event. The 24th annual Paddle For Hunger, held on Thanksgiving morning, concluded with remarkable success. Nearly 200 community members came together, making it a truly memorable occasion.

Honoring a Tradition and Giving Back

Hawaiian Paddle Sports took the lead in hosting this event as part of its monthly Mālama Maui community service program. The efforts of the participants not only raised funds but also showed their commitment to helping those in need.

With a total of $4,965 in monetary donations and 475 pounds of food, which is equivalent to 21,000 meals for the Maui Food Bank, this event was a significant contribution. Participants had the option to paddle the course solo or with a small group of friends using various watercraft like outrigger canoe, V1, surf ski, paddle board, surfboard, or any floating device. They recorded their time and GPS course, adding an element of friendly competition, and took photos of their paddling experience to share with others.

Distributing Paddle For Hunger t-shirts added to the excitement and sense of unity. Timothy Lara, the owner of Hawaiian Paddle Sports, expressed his gratitude, saying, "We are honored to host Paddle For Hunger and grateful to the community for helping us continue this tradition since 2012. Most importantly, we want to shine a light on Maui Food Bank, their ongoing needs, and their good work of reducing food insecurity on Maui."

How to Get Involved

If you want to learn more about Paddle For Hunger and other give-back programs hosted by Hawaiian Paddle Sports, visit www.HawaiianPaddleSports.com/Malama-Maui. By doing so, you can become a part of this meaningful initiative and contribute to making a difference in the lives of those on Maui.

Each year, this event grows in significance, bringing the community together and highlighting the importance of helping those facing food insecurity. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the willingness of individuals to make a positive impact.

The success of Paddle For Hunger is not only about the financial and food donations but also about the sense of community and togetherness it creates. It serves as an inspiration for others to get involved and support local causes. Hawaiian Paddle Sports has set a remarkable example with this annual event, and it continues to make a lasting impact on Maui.