In lieu of their in-person annual event, the American Red Cross of Hawaiʻi held their 2020 Heroes Recognition Event virtually to recognize four outstanding volunteers across the state. One of these four outstanding volunteers is Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi staff member Renette “Uʻi” Soares, who is recognized as the 2020 Big Island Volunteer of the Year!
Uʻi has provided the Red Cross with over 1,600 work hours since she began volunteering with them in 2014. As a long-time resident of Pāhoa, Uʻi felt the impact of the 2014 lava flow first-hand and felt moved to volunteer with the Red Cross during the lava flow. She says, "When you're in a situation where you and your family don't know what else to do, you turn to helping your community."
With a commitment to uplifting those around her, Uʻi has served in various capacities at the Red Cross, including Preparedness Lead, Volunteer Services Master Trainer, Disaster Instructor, Chief Morale Officer, and even ran day-to-day operations of the Hawaiʻi Red Cross in 2019.
Uʻi representing the Red Cross at our 2nd Annual Mālama Nā Keiki Festival
U'i representing the Red Cross at our 3rd annual Mālama Nā Keiki Festival
Her experiences at the Red Cross closely reflect and relate to her work at Hui Mālama. As a Hui Mālama employee, Uʻi now serves as a Health Education Program Assistant, assists as the COVID-19 Safety Officer, and sits on several committees including assisting with the Mālama Ke Ola Program. She connects the two organizations' missions by pointing out, “We're really doing the same mission: helping the community. It's people helping people.”
Uʻi is not only actively involved as a volunteer and employee, but also as a parent, grandparent, mentor, and more. When asked how she balances all this, she answers succinctly, “Balance is easy for me. The mission of Hui Mālama, the Red Cross, and my family values growing up were: love, respect, hard work, and providing services to the ones you love and live with, so we're all okay.” She adds, “family is priority, so I role model, practice transparency and speaking my truth. Which is also asked of me at the Red Cross and Hui Mālama.”
Mahalo Uʻi for your continued dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of Hawaiʻi island, both in and out of the workplace. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi is grateful to have U‘i as part of the ‘ohana!
Learn more about Uʻi’s contributions by viewing the Red Cross virtual 2020 Heroes Recognition Event below or signing up for the following Health Education services she assist with:
- Cultural Wellness Support Group
- Diabetes Support Group
- Ola Hou I Ka Hula - Hula for Health
- Sign up for these services at hmono.org/services