Volunteer effort to help elderly, disabled

HONOLULU — Hawai‘i’s kupuna, or elderly population need help now — more than ever — as the COVID-19 pandemic takes over people’s lives.

“We believe that it is our duty to help our most vulnerable people — our kupuna,” said Kurt Osaki, one of the many founders of Kupuna Kare, a movement to help the elderly and disabled. “Kupuna Kare is a grassroots network of volunteers willing to assist our elderly and disabled population with non-emergency errands such as grocery shopping, or picking up take-out food from one of the many restaurants in the community.”

Osaki said the effort will also serve to support local businesses by getting their safe and needed products out to the community who needs them.

“The COVID-19 crisis will, and has, affected everyone,” Osaki said. “Our success will be measured by how much we can help others.”

Volunteers in Kupuna Kare will be matched with a kupuna by geographic location and put in direct contact with their “adopted” kupuna. The pair can work out the individual details of the arrangement such as shopping and food list, and other details.

Shopping for non-emergency supplies include groceries, prepared food, toiletries, and household goods, and volunteers will be encouraged to provide kupuna or persons with disabilities with menus for take-out food options in the community.

Kupuna needing help can register by visiting kupunakare.com and clicking the right slot. Volunteers that will be needed on all parts of Kaua‘i can also register at kupunkare.com.

In addition to registering for service, the website also offers resources for caring for kupuna, and a “Support Local Business” section.

“As a restaurant owner, I believe in what Kupuna Kare is doing to help our community and assist local businesses at the same time,” said Don Murphy of Murphy’s Bar and Grill in downtown Honolulu. “Murphy’s will be offering a special $5 Kupuna Kare lunch or dinner specials that will change on a weekly basis.”

Big City Diner also offer keiki and kupuna specials on O‘ahu, and Osaki said he is hopeful other restaurants will join the list on the outer islands as the program gains momentum.

Kaua‘i kupuna and volunteers can get more information by calling 651-2938, or visit the kupunakare.com website. Kupuna Kare is also active on Instagram and Facebook.
Source: The Garden Island