Aloha Ke Akua Clothing Company is partnering with the nonprofit rehabilitation center, Aloha House, to raise funds and awareness during Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
The clothing company created a specially designed t-shirt to help raise funds for Aloha House, Maui’s only licensed residential treatment program that helps people with substance use disorders and mental health issues .
“When we spoke with Aloha House, it seemed like a perfect fit with our values. As a small, local family business, we want to have a big impact in the community. When they shared that May is HIV Awareness Month mental health, we thought it would be the perfect time to hold this promotion,” said Jared Nagura, owner of Aloha Ke Akua.
Aloha House has been providing essential services to people suffering from drug and alcohol abuse since 1977 and has expanded its services to meet the needs of the Maui community today. The agency now offers residential treatment, a sober living program, outpatient services, drug addiction services, and mental health counseling and therapy, serving approximately 6,000 clients annually.
The t-shirt features a creative visual design and ventilation using the word “aloha”.
“We thought it was the perfect message, because that’s exactly what Aloha House does every day. Working face-to-face with individuals, turning grief into joy and redirecting them from a path of death to life,” Nagura said.
Aloha House and Aloha Ke Akua also facilitate donations by allowing community members to donate directly to the charity through Facebook and Instagram. Users can visit the Aloha House or Aloha Ke Akua Facebook or Instagram pages and contribute directly through Meta’s platforms. Meta’s fundraising tools have generated over $5 billion in donations to nonprofits and personal causes on Facebook and Instagram.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the shirts will benefit Aloha House. Thanks to local sponsors Tanioka’s Seafood & Catering, Island Sotheby’s International Realty and community volunteer Linda Vincent, every t-shirt sold will result in a $100 donation to the agency to provide treatment services.
“We are grateful for the Nagura family’s generosity and enthusiasm for this project. It’s very nice of them to use their creativity and business acumen to help others in the community in this way,” said Jud Cunningham, CEO of Aloha House. “And since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, it helps us let the community know that help is available.”
Aloha House’s counseling and therapy services are available islandwide via telehealth, and multiple providers are available in West Maui, Central Maui, and Upcountry for in-person appointments.
Substance use disorder treatment programs are available in residential and outpatient settings.
For the Nagura family, any way they can spread the word so more people get the help they need is worth it.
“Gathering sponsors, our own donations of time and materials, and reaching out to our customers and the community, allows us to achieve our goal of giving back,” Nagura said.
The t-shirt promotion will run from May 22 to June 5. Donations will be accepted through the Aloha Ke Akua and Aloha House Facebook and Instagram pages. See more on the Aloha Ke Akua website.
