$3,810 in Donations and Toys Collected at 1st Annual Paddle For Keiki
More than 100 participants came together for the 1st annual Paddle for Keiki, an exciting new event benefiting needy children in Maui County during the holiday season. The event was organized by Hawaiian Paddle Sports in partnership with Street Bikers United, joining the goodwill efforts of Maui’s paddling community and motorcycle riders around the island.
Paddle For Keiki featured untimed ocean “races” followed by a toy parade, featuring Santa in an outrigger canoe full of toys and surrounded by a Street Bikers United motorcycle escort, ending in a party at Nalu’s South Shore Grill. Participants were encouraged to bring unwrapped toys or make donations to go toward buying toys.
As a result, $1,435 and 95 gifts (valued at $2,375) were raised for a total of $3,810 in the event’s first year. Total donations will gift 150 underprivileged children in Maui County with a new toy.
Paddle For Keiki was free and open to the public. It took place at Kīhei Canoe Club at Ka Lae Pōhaku Beach Park, followed by an after party at Nalu’s South Shore Grill.
Sponsors included: Hawaiian Paddle Sports, Nalu’s South Shore Grill, Street Bikers United, Kīhei Canoe Club, Made in Hawai‘i, and Be Like Liquid Media.
Paddle For Keiki was organized by Hawaiian Paddle Sports as part of its Mālama Maui community give back program.