A yearlong workplace campaign in 2023 led by Hawaiian Electric employees resulted in raising more than $46,000 for Hawaii Island United Way, the nonprofit working to advance the health, education and financial stability of the community.
Guided by the campaign theme pilina — the Hawaiian meaning “to come together” — employees united with retirees and IBEW Local 1260 to amplify their fundraising efforts, according to a Hawaiian Electric press release.
Among the popular fundraisers included a cookbook aptly named “Pilina” featuring recipes from employees across the company, sales of Hawaiian Electric logo merchandise, a collaboration with local luxury fashion designer Manaola Yap on his latest collection of vegan tote bags, and an online pledge drive.
Hawaiian Electric employees from Oahu, Maui County and Hawaii Island raised more than $372,000 for the community last year.
In addition, company employees across its five-island service areas volunteered 5,307 hours over 101 community events; donated 913 units of blood/apheresis; and collected $4,076 and 1,717 pounds of food for local food banks during 2023, according to Hawaiian Electric.