Summary
- Boeing has committed $500,000 to wildfire relief efforts in Maui, specifically targeting disaster recovery in the area.
- The company has a history of supporting charitable causes and donated over $6 million for disaster relief and humanitarian efforts worldwide in 2022
- Other companies, including Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, have also contributed to the disaster relief efforts in Maui by offering low fares, rescue flights, and financial donations.
Boeing, the major aerospace company headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, has made a significant donation to wildfire relief, with a commitment to $500,000 for Maui's disaster recovery and relief efforts. The efforts come after a massive outbreak of deadly wildfires overtook the Hawaiian island.
Varying recovery efforts
Boeing has donated to several causes targeted toward Hawaii in the past. It has been engaged in the Hawaiian communities and committed over $750,000 over the past five years. In other instances worldwide, Boeing donated over $6 million in 2022. These charitable efforts went toward disaster relief and global humanitarian efforts. The company's most recent donation was targeted to help with Maui-specific disaster relief.
The Executive Vice President of Government Operations at Boeing, Ziad Ojakli, spoke about the donation. He stated,
"The Boeing family sends our deepest condolences to the people of Hawaii in the wake of the tragic wildfires there. Through support to our nonprofit partners on the ground, we will help affected Maui residents meet their most immediate needs and assist with this beautiful community's rebuilding."
Half of the donation, or $250,000, went directly to the American Red Cross. This organization is actively maintaining and expanding shelters for those in need that have lost or experienced damage to their homes. The charity also provides comfort kits, clean-up kits, meals, and other resources for those in need. The Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross, Anne McKeough, spoke about the donation, saying,
"We are so grateful for partners like Boeing as we work together to provide help and hope for communities in the wake of these catastrophic wildfires."
The other half of the donation went to Hawai'i Community Foundation's Maui Strong Fund. The fund is working to provide rapid response and recovery for those in need. This includes shelter, food, grief support, and much more for the many communities across the island. The Chief Executive Officer of the charity, Micah Kāne, thanked Boeing and said,
"A heartfelt mahalo (thank you) to Boeing and other donors who have stepped up to support our community in the times we need it most—the level of generosity we've seen in the past few days has been truly unprecedented."
Other companies assisting disaster relief efforts in Maui
Several airlines and companies across the United States have tried to help those affected by the deadly wildfires. Many carriers have offered low fares and rescue flights to the nearly 15,000 people who fled the island.
Hawaiian Airlines has transported more than 12,500 people off the island. It expects to reach 17,000 visitors and residents in the first 72 hours since the fires broke out. It has offered main cabin seats from Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui to Honolulu for only $19. The airline has also added many extra cargo, water, and food flights to OGG.
American Airlines has also added extra flights to the island to help ensure visitors can depart the island promptly. It also upgraded many existing flights to larger aircraft to accommodate more travelers. Delta Air Lines was another major contributor to the American Red Cross. It announced on August 10 that it would contribute $250,000 to help with aid across the island.