Mana Foods Maui announces “Wear Jeans for Japan” donation drive

MAUI — Mana Foods President Edward Thielk announced that Mana Foods will participate in “Wear Jeans for Japan” by matching patron donations dollar for dollar up to $10,000.  Mana Foods shoppers may donate from Friday, May 13, through Sunday, May 15.
“Mana Foods is pleased to team up with the community to help those devastated in Japan.  It is always a worthwhile cause to help neighbors in need,” said Thielk.

Donations raised will go to support the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui’s Japan relief effort “The Aloha Initiative,” to provide citizens of Japan who have been displaced by the recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis with a warm and welcome home, “Wear Jeans for Japan” is being co-sponsored by the County of Maui and Carden Academy of Maui. During this event, people will pay for the privilege to dress casually by wearing jeans on May 13.  Some county departments and local businesses have already taken up the challenge.

Other businesses which have signed up to participate on May 13 are First Hawaiian Bank, Macy’s, Kaiser Permanente clinics, TS Restaurants, Maui Electric, Upcountry Dental Office, Christ the King School, Araki-Regan & Associates LLC, Maui County FCU, Maui Ocean Center, Ronald M Fukumoto Engineering Inc, Carlsmith Ball LLP, Old Republic Title & Escrow of Hawaii, Lahaina CrossFit, and Maui Boy Scouts.

Carden Academy’s 118 students conducted a similar effort in March, when students raised more than $1,000 in one day.
The organization on Maui that generates the most donations per employee, student or member will be recognized by Mayor Alan Arakawa at the Maui Matsuri festival May 14 at the University of Hawaii Maui College.