County Names 2020 ‘Volunteer Heroes’

File photo.

The County of Maui Department of Housing and Human Concerns’ Volunteer Center is recognizing 13 outstanding Volunteer Heroes for 2020. These are individuals who help make up the backbone of nonprofits.

“I congratulate these volunteers who give so generously of their free time to provide vital services to the residents of Maui County,” Mayor Michael Victorino said in a press release.

“I hope they will inspire everyone to step up and volunteer to make our community a better place for everyone.”

The 2020 Maui Volunteer Heroes are: Anne Miura of Chilis On wheels, Tracey West of East Maui Animal Refuge, Leonard Saki of  Habitat for Humanity Maui, Jeep Dunning of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Peter Kafka of Pacific Cancer Foundation on Maui, Yvette Celiz of Malama Maui Nui, Erin Enriques of Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Valerie Janikowski of Lanaʻi Kinaʻole, Martha Mizner of Hui Laulima O Hana, Verna Takahashi of the Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation, Joan Banaag of the Organ Transplant Maui, Mike Moran of the Kihei Community Association, and Bettie Ventura of the Haku Baldwin Center

Click here to learn more about each Volunteer Hero.

Mayor Michael Victorino has proclaimed the week of April 19 to 25 as National Volunteer Week in Maui County. He has encouraged residents to get involved by visiting the County of Maui Volunteer Center’s website at HandsOnMaui.com and register as a volunteer.

The Volunteer Center sponsors the Annual Volunteer Hero Program. Members of the community nominate volunteers to be recognized as Volunteer Heroes. The recognition comes in April, which is Global Volunteer Month. This month is the time to reflect on the importance of volunteering and increasing the impact of volunteer service in communities around the world. This celebration is a chance to shine a spotlight on excellent nonprofit agencies and the special volunteers that are making a positive and lasting impact.