|
Global Youth Service Day
2009
 Global
Youth Service Day is the largest service event in the
world. GYSD is an annual global event that highlights and
celebrates the contributions of youth to their communities through
volunteer service. GYSD is celebrated in more than 100 countries in
every region of the world.
Each April, millions of young people participate in and lead service
projects, working with their families, schools, community
organizations, faith-based communities, and businesses, to improve
their communities by addressing critical issues such as global
climate change, education & illiteracy, poverty, health, hunger,
and homelessness. In 2009, the event will be April 24-26.
Visit GYSD.org to follow the latest updates and
event postings!
Valley of Rainbows working together with
Kapolei, Nanakuli and Waianae high school students completed 5
projects focusing on environment, homeless, and traffic
safety. Here's are some of our event
highlights!
     
   Big turnout at all locations!
On Friday, April 24, 2009
students took to the streets to remind drivers to DRIVE SAFE,
ARRIVE ALIVE! With the high incidence of traffic fatalities
along Farrington Hwy. signs reminded drivers to DRIVE WITH ALOHA,
DRINK DRIVE UDIE, DRIVE SAFE, SLOW DOWN. HPD and student
groups were stationed in Kapolei (by Chili's), Nanakuli Beach Park
and in front of Waianae High School. Above photos are from
Waianae High School.
On Saturday
students and the public were invited to clean up Kea'au
Beach Park and provide food for the homeless and needy
families. We started the day with a blessing and welcome by
event organizers and youth leaders. Our sponsors, City
officials and Honolulu Police Department was also introduced and
thanked for their support.
From there, groups
separated and began clean up efforts - picking up rubbish and debris
from the beach and park area. Homeless families were invited
to the tent to pick up bags of food. Over 400 Aloha Care bags
were distributed and included canned goods, toiletries and oral
health items.
     
There were many happy and
thankful people as they picked up their bags of food. We
loaded the trucks and distributed more bags of food past the park
area (a.k.a. "The Bush").
    
Reflections
from the students.
"I never realized there
were so many homeless here, and lots of young children."
"I am more grateful for
what I have at home, these people have nothing."
"I'd like to
assist in other ways and find ways to help."
    
Mahalo to our
sponsors!
- Queen Liliu'okalani
Children's Center (Donation of $500 of groceries, water and
ice)
- State Farm Insurance
($2000 grant from Youth Service America)
- Honolulu Police
Department (Traffic and safety support, signage)
- Aloha Care (Donation
of 200 bags)
- C&C Community
Benefits Grant ($1500)
- Matson Containers of
Hawaii (Donation of Ka Ipu 'Aina container & $1000
donation)
- Waianae Coast
Comprehensive Health Center (distribution of gently used
clothing)
- Kapolei, Nanakuli and
Waianae High Schools - students and administration
And a BIG MAHALO
to our youth leaders for their gift of time, energy and
support! Thank you!
| 
