The Maui Jim Way To Support Good Causes: Maui Charities Receive More than $260,000 in donations

LAHAINA, Hawaii, Jan. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The temperatures may be below freezing with snow on the ground in many parts of the world, but Maui Jim has once again warmed the hearts of several charities located in the company's backyard with generous donations that support vital community services.

In its 30-year history, Maui Jim has supported worthwhile organizations that focus on everything from cures for breast cancer, support for children with autism and major initiatives that protect the world's oceans. Ideas for most of the company's charitable initiatives come from employees who identify areas where Maui Jim can have true impact.

"We are a company that got its start on the beaches of Maui," said Chief Executive Officer, Walter Hester. "Even though it is one of the most beautiful places on earth, there are many people who need help and support. This is our way of helping to take care of the community that has taken such good care of us through the years."

Maui Jim recently made a $150,000 donation to Hale Makua Health Services, one of Maui's oldest compassionate care and skilled nursing centers for elderly individuals needing medical services, rehabilitation and support. The center is one of Maui's largest non-government employers and is unique because it combines superior, personalized care with a focus on honoring the journey of life.

On the other end of the age spectrum, Maui Jim contributed $50,000 to Imua Family Services in Maui. Since 1947, this organization has helped families facing challenges pertaining to their child's development, behavior or disability. "The Maui community experiences significant impacts from not providing therapeutic services to children with developmental delays," said Dean Wong, executive director of Imua Family Services. "Many children with special needs are kicked out of preschool because they present a disruption to the classroom environment and our preschool teachers do not have the training necessary to appropriately address their needs. Maui Jim's generous gift will assist our most vulnerable children and help us address the gap in therapeutic services which exists for children ages three to six years old that do not meet age-appropriate developmental milestones and fall outside the scope of the Department of Education, Special Education Preschool service." 

Because domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender, Women Helping Women Maui received $20,000 towards programs that provide assistance and support for women victims of domestic violence, From their start in 1977 as a grassroots effort, Women Helping Women has steadily grown to become an established non-profit agency that provides a comprehensive continuum of services to over 600 women, men, and children each year. 

To help celebrate the cultural vibrancy of Hawaii, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center received $40,000 to support operations at this 12-acre multi-disciplinary complex that includes a world-class performing arts center, visual arts gallery and community gathering place.

Because Maui Jim's administrative and manufacturing operations are located in Peoria, IL, the company also supports that community by annually holding a premier golf event that has raised more than $2.5 million for the Children's Home Association of Illinois.

Every year, Maui Jim also organizes the Makamaka Run/Walk benefiting the Friendship House in Peoria. 

In February each year, Maui Jim hosts the infamous "Dive for Cover" event, where Maui Jim employees, and employees from companies around Illinois, leap into the company's frigid sunglasses-shaped pond to raise more than $500,000 to help the South Side Mission meet the needs of the homeless. This year's event will be held on February 28 at 2 PM at Maui Jim, One Aloha Lane, Peoria, IL 61615.  

For more information, visit MauiJim.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest at @OfficialMauiJim

SOURCE Maui Jim

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