FHB Hosts Record-Setting ‘Kokua Mai’ Giving Campaign

Several Big Island charities were among the recipients of First Hawaiian Bank’s employees and retirees’ annual Kokua Mai employee giving campaign.

Across the state, 35 charities received their share of $708,764 as part of the campaign, the largest donation in the campaign’s history.

In 2007, bank employees first banded together to kick off the giving tradition and have since donated more than $5.4 million to support charities in not only Hawai’i, but also Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

“Our employees and retirees recognize the vital role these 35 Kokua Mai agencies play in building strong and healthy communities for us all,” said Bob Harrison, First Hawaiian Bank chairman and chief executive officer. “This gift demonstrates our aloha and commitment to the communities that we serve and helps us continue a legacy of giving that was started over 157 years ago.  I am grateful to our First Hawaiian Bank employees and retirees for kicking off the holiday spirit of giving with this significant gift to our community.”

Monetary donations were made by 98 percent of First Hawaiian Bank’s employees, all contributing to the Kokua Mai charities. Employees make their charity selection through an online system designed by employees and donated to the 100 percent employee-run campaign.

The four-week campaign period ran from Oct. 13 through Nov. 13.

First Hawaiian Bank employees also participated in various community service projects throughout the year. On the Big Island, this included campus beautification projects in partnership with Hawai’i 3Rs at public schools, acting as donation locations for various charitable sources and with employee donations of time and talents on various non-profit board and fundraising events.

The 2015 Kokua Mai Charities include: American Red Cross, Hawai’i State Chapter; American Red Cross, Guam/Saipan; Aloha Harvest; Aloha United Way; Ayuda Foundation; Big Brothers Big Sisters; Boys and Girls Club of Hawai’i; Catholic Charities Hawai’i; Child and Family Service; Domestic Violence Action Center; Easter Seals Hawai’i; Family Programs Hawai’i; Goodwill Industries of Hawai’i, Inc.; Hale Makua; Hawai’i Island United Way, Inc.; HUGS (Help, Understanding and Group Support); Imua Family Services; Kamaaina Kids; Kauai Hospice; Kauai United Way; Lanai Community Association; Make a Wish Inc.; Make a Wish Guam; Maui United Way; Palama Settlement; Pali Momi Womens Center; Prevent Child Abuse Hawai’i; Salvation Army – Hawai’i; Salvation Army – Guam; Salvation Army – Saipan; Special Olympics Hawai’i, Inc.; Teach for America; and Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.