Gwen Ahana of Waimea recently received Habitat for Humanity International’s Clive Rainey Lifetime Achievement Award for Service.
Gwen Ahana of Waimea recently received Habitat for Humanity International’s Clive Rainey Lifetime Achievement Award for Service.
The award honors Habitat for Humanity volunteers for their exceptional and sustained accomplishments to advance the nonprofit’s mission to build homes, communities and hope.
Habitat praised Ahana for being a driving force in her community in Waimea for years, actively involved with the church, the Homestead Association and, most importantly, as a mentor to residents — helping them access services and supporting them to improve their living conditions.
Kuhio Village in Waimea was selected as the focus neighborhood for Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program in 2011, and since then Ahana has played a pivotal role in furthering the affiliate’s efforts in the neighborhood.
Ahana has made an exceptional and sustained commitment to advancing Habitat’s mission through generously sharing her time and talents.
“It’s very exciting to be recognized for this award,” Ahana said. “Some of my best memories are volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, and I look forward to many more fulfilling years of helping families in need of decent, affordable housing.”
The award was created in honor of the legacy and work of Habitat’s first volunteer, Clive Rainey, who has been a steadfast champion for Habitat and its mission at home and abroad.
“Our volunteers are the pillars upon which Habitat is built,” said Patrick Hurney, the organization’s executive director.
“We are so grateful for Aunty Gwen’s long-term commitment to safe, decent, and affordable housing in Kuhio Village and for her longstanding contributions to Habitat’s mission.”