Raising more hope

Convoy of Hope Hawaii, which debuted as the largest charitable effort in the state last year, hopes to double attendance and give away three times the amount of goods at the second annual Day of Compassion next month.

With help from Hawaii businesses, nonprofits and churches, Convoy of Hope plans to distribute 67 tons of food, other supplies and services to about 30,000 people on Oahu. The July 28 event will take place at McKinley High School, the Kapolei Fairgrounds across from Walmart, and the Kailua Recreation Center. The first convoy, held at Aloha Stadium, gave away 21 tons of food to about 14,000 people.

"The blessings are multiplying," said Bulla Eastman, Convoy of Hope Hawaii media director. "It’s like the story where Jesus fed 5,000 people from five loaves and two fishes."

In addition to food, the event will offer people free medical and dental screenings, job fairs, haircuts, manicures and pedicures, family portraits, clothing and backpacks with school supplies and slippers, along with entertainment, games, rides and activities for children, Eastman said.

"We’ve planned a $1 million-plus day for the people of Hawaii," he said, adding that each person at the event will receive about $200 in groceries, goods and services.

Faith-based Convoy of Hope’s carnival-style events are a familiar sight on the mainland, taking place in all 48 of the contiguous states. Volunteers also have earned accolades for their efforts in hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma and tornadoes in Alabama and Missouri.

The organization has gained global recognition for its response to the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Since its inception in 1994, Convoy of Hope has served food to 1.6 million people in 212 U.S. cities, Eastman said.

This year, Oahu will play an important role in the organization’s outreach to all 50 states, he said.

"We are only one of a few cities with a population of 1 million that will get three containers of food," Eastman said.

Last year’s event on Oahu, which was Convoy of Hope’s largest nationwide, demonstrated how much the people of Oahu need help and hope, said Convoy of Hope Hawaii State Coordinator Scott Sonoda, who is a pastor at Red Hill Assembly of God Church.

"It is clearly evident that poverty is still a growing worldwide concern that touches every community. By partnering together we are able to help combat hunger and poverty, which are hurting many of the families of Hawaii," Sonoda said.

Organizers considered bringing the event to the neighbor islands this year, but ultimately decided based on last year’s turnout that Oahu had needs, he said. Still, there is talk of expanding to Maui, Kauai and Hawaii island in 2014, Sonoda said.

With just a little more than a month to go before the event, organizers are focused on making this event a success, Eastman said.

"It’s going to take an estimated 2,500 volunteers from about 250 local businesses, churches, nonprofits and city and government agencies," he said. "Lots of them, including Matson, already have stepped up."

The Paul Mitchell Beauty School of Honolulu, which provided 550 free haircuts and free makeovers last year, agreed to play a larger role this year, said Joannie Rossiter, dean, director and owner of the business.

"We’re aiming to have 90 people at each location giving haircuts and providing manicures, pedicures and facials," Rossiter said.

While nearly all of the school’s 110 students and 20 staff members have volunteered, more volunteers from the industry are needed, she said.

"I know it’s a lot to ask. We’re closing down on Saturday. It’s a major money maker, but it’s one day to help people," Rossiter said.

Last year’s response triggered the school’s willingness to volunteer, she said.

"It’s worth it, when you see what a life-changing experience that getting a haircut or a makeover can be," she said.

Dependable Hawaiian Express, DHX, is another business that is raising its support.

"We’re going to be doing the container hauling," said Bill Lane, Hawaii regional sales manager. "And, their needs have certainly tripled."

Lane, who has known Eastman for 20 years, said he agreed to help last year because of his Christian beliefs and the good for the community.

"The warm feeling of helping others is very gratifying. This is an event where any good that is provide will be multiplied," Lane said.

G4S Secure Solutions (USA) Inc. also is making a substantial commitment, Eastman said.

"They are going to provide security at all of the venues," he said. "That’s about a $24,000 package." 

Lee Burgwinkel, general manager of G4S’ Pacific Region, said the company’s participation benefits Hawaii.

"As one of the world’s largest global employers we understand we have a corporate social responsibility to the communities we live in," said Burgwinkel, who heard about the convoy from Eastman, who also works in security.

"Listening to the touching stories of lives impacted, the types and amounts of what was provided, I knew that Convoy of Hope had the same core values as G4S, and this would be the perfect event for us to participate in," he said.

Once they heard about what convoy does, GS4 employees eagerly volunteered, Burgwinkel said.

Further monetary and in-kind donations are needed, Sonoda said.

Missouri-based Convoy of Hope will provide all of the groceries. The local community has to underwrite other costs, he said. Last year, $250,000, counting cash and in-kind donations were contributed, he said.

"This year, we need to raise three times that," Sonoda said. "We’re about half way to our goal. But with just six weeks to go, we’ve got our work cut out for us."

Every donation counts, Sonoda said.

"Just $10 will buy a child a backpack, school supplies and a pair of rubber slippers," he said.

Since there were lots of barefoot children at last year’s event, Sonoda wants to triple the 1,200 backpacks and slippers given away.

"I saw plenty of families passing a single slipper between them because the pavement was hot and they didn’t have enough slippers to go around," he said. "Their needs blew me away." 

While many families come to the Day of Compassion to get food and other stuff, Sonoda said that hope is the event’s most important product.

"A little bit of encouragement will go far in their lives," he said. "I know because if another faith-based program called Teen Challenge had not reached out to me, I would be dead now."

For more than 30 years, Sonoda said, he struggled with cocaine and heroin addiction.

"I’ve been happy and sober for 12 years. Hope set me free," he said. "Now, I’m helping God save other people’s lives."