Local Red Cross Chapter Receives $27K Grant

The Hawai’i Chapter of the American Red Cross recently received a $27,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation’s Hawai’i State Giving Council as part of National Home Fire Preparedness Week.

Money from the grant will be used to support the organization’s home fire preparedness campaign, which aims to install and test smoke alarms in homes, help families complete home safety checklists and develop escape plans, and educate community members about fire safety and preparedness.

“In this country, seven people lose their lives every day from a home fire,” said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Hawai’i Red Cross.  “Working smoke alarms cut the risk of death by home fires in half. As part of our lifesaving mission, Red Cross volunteers are educating the community and providing vital information on fire safety and the importance of maintaining working smoke alarms. With the generous support of Walmart, we can reach more families, install life-saving smoke alarms in their homes and teach fire safety to build stronger and more resilient communities.”

The Walmart Foundation’s Hawai’i State Giving Council Program provides grants to organizations based on recommendations from its council. Each state has a council made up of Walmart associates that represent local communities and are able to identify local needs within each state. These associates review eligible grant application and make funding recommendations to the Walmart Foundation.

“At Walmart, we’re pleased to be able to support non-profits like the Hawai’i Red Cross and their Home Fire Prevention program that help educate and provide social services for our island communities,” said Steven Reed, Hawai’i Market Manager for Walmart. “We also applaud the volunteers helping to save lives by installing smoke alarms in homes for Hawai’i residents.”