Whole Foods to Donate 5% of April 1 Sales to Mālama Maui Nui

Whole Foods to donate 5% of sales on April 1, 2015 to Mālama Maui Naui.

By Maui Now Staff

Whole Foods Market in Kahului will donate 5% of its sales on April 1, 2015 to Mālama Maui Nui, the nonprofit environmental organization formerly known as the Community Work Day Program.

Proceeds raised that day will go towards programs and services such as volunteer-based cleanups across the islands’ beaches, parks, and other public spaces; County-wide recycling programs for used motor oil and household batteries; and illegal dumpsite removal by Mālama Maui Nui’s road crew.

Organization staff will also be on hand at Whole Foods between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the day of the fundraising event to share information about their work.

Since opening its doors in 2010, Whole Foods Market in Kahului has partnered with more than 50 local organizations to conduct fundraisers, sponsorships and volunteer projects to benefit the people of Maui and preserve the beauty of the islands.

Store representatives say the partnerships play on Whole Foods Market’s reputation as a green business with a strong focus on recycling.

“We are excited by the opportunity to work and provide support of such worthy organizations like Mālama Maui Nui,” said Elyse Ditzel, marketing director for Whole Foods Market Kahului in a company press release. “Our partnership with Mālama Maui Nui started with team members volunteering for beach cleanups and the Art of Trash program, and we are thrilled to strengthen this relationship with both additional monetary support as well as ongoing team member participation in volunteer efforts.”

Upcoming events for Mālama Maui Nui include the following:

• Kanahā Beach Park workday on April 18 in honor of “Keep the Hawaiian Islands Beautiful Day”;
• A beach cleanup with Surfrider Foundation–Maui Chapter at Haycraft Park in Mā’alaea on April 18; and
• A Waikapū Cemetery workday with West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership on May 2.

For more information, or to learn how to participate, visit Mālama Maui Nui online or call (808) 877-2524.