MECO Supports Aloha Cruisers with $5,000 Grant

Na Hoaloha volunteer Mae Borromeu drives Kathleen Cosgrove. Photo courtesy of Na Hoaloha.

By Robin G. Pilus

Maui Electric Company has awarded a $5,000 grant to Na Hoaloha –Neighbors Helping Neighbors for its Aloha Cruisers senior transportation program. 

The funds will be used to cover mileage reimbursement and liability insurance for volunteer drivers who transport seniors to medical appointments, shopping and errands.

“Maui Electric (MECO) has been a part of this community for almost 90 years,” said MECO President Ed Reinhardt.  “We live here, we work here and we believe in helping those who help others.”

The mission of Na Hoaloha is to provide compassionate care for seniors to enable them to remain in their homes and independent for as long as possible.   Na Hoaloha  means loving friends.  The organization was formed in 1995 with the help of a Robert Wood Johnson Grant, and a dedicated group of individuals.  

According to Na Hoaloha Executive Director, Gerri Shapiro,  “We are deeply grateful to Maui Electric Company for this grant.  When other agencies have been unable to provide senior transportation services,  Na Hoaloha – Neighbors Helping Neighbors has consistently been able to find a volunteer who will provide these services from the heart.”

For more information about becoming a volunteer driver for the Aloha Cruisers program go to www.nahoaloha.org  or call Na Hoaloha – Neighbors Helping Neighbors at 249-2545.