PADI has teamed with the Ako’ako’a Foundation to create a GoFundMe relief fund to assist PADI members in Maui get back on their feet and in the water as soon as possible following the recent wildfires.
The Ako’ako’a Foundation, based in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawai’i is a charitable organisation with the stated aim of ‘uniting the stakeholders of Hawaii’s nearshore marine environments and working together to create positive ocean change.’
‘Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have been affected by this tragedy,’ said Drew Richardson, CEO and President of PADI Worldwide. ‘United above and below the surface of our shared blue planet, we stand together with the dive community to provide strength and speed in recovery efforts.’
The GoFundMe campaign is aiming to raise at least US $100,000, 100 per cent of which will be distributed directly to dive professionals in Hawaii who are in need of recovery from the devastating fires.
At the time of writing, the fund sood just sort of $15,000
PADI has asked individuals or businesses in Hawaii who wish to either receive support – or extend it to those who need it – contact PADI regional manager Kyle Ingram directly at kyle.ingram@padi.com
