Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal and committed £40,000 through its foundation to support relief efforts in Hawaii.
The Intrepid Foundation has partnered with the American Red Cross to aid communities affected by the tragedy, which will include providing emergency sheltering, food and other critical assistance.
The operator’s not-for-profit arm will match donations to the Hawaii Wildfire Appeal up to £40,000 to double donors’ impact.
“Intrepid Travel was founded on the idea of using travel as a force for good,” said Matt Berna, Intrepid’s Americas president.
“By launching this appeal and matching donations, we aim to support the local communities in Hawaii as they recover and get back on their feet, many of whom have devastatingly lost their homes and their livelihoods.
“Hawaii is such a beloved tourism destination for so many travellers globally, and this tragedy is a stark reminder of the fragility of our natural world and the places we love visiting the most.
“Our thoughts are with all of those who have lost loved ones and whose lives have been deeply impacted by the fires.”
Red Cross disaster workers are supporting emergency shelters on the islands of Maui and Oahu which, in addition to providing a safe place to stay and food to eat, help those affected with access to relief supplies, health, mental health and spiritual care services, support with finding loved ones, and casework assistance as people plan their next steps.
With nearly 100 deaths and thousands displaced, the wildfires in Hawaii are now considered the worst natural disaster in the state’s history, and the deadliest US wildfire in over a century.
Intrepid Travel has an extensive customer base in North America and has operated tours in Hawaii.
For more information and to donate, visit the Hawaii Wildfire Appeal.