AARP Hawai‘i announced that Reverend Tad Iwata of Tenrikyo Honolulu-ko Church was named a runner-up in AARP’s “Show Your Love” Volunteer Contest. An arm of AARP’s Create the Good® program, “Show Your Love” recognizes continuing volunteerism and service in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

For his efforts, Reverend Iwata received $500, sponsored by Cabot Creamery, to donate to the charity of his choice.

“It is our kuleana to take care of each other in good times and especially in bad,” said Reverend Iwata. The arrival of COVID was challenging for all of us and I am grateful that I was blessed with good health and was able to assist and offer light to those who needed it most during these trying times. I encourage everyone who is capable of showing their love and helping one another, as there is still much work to be done.”

Reverend Iwata has played a critical role in leading and assisting programs that benefited the community throughout the ongoing pandemic including:

• Helping the Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation raise $3,000 in donations and gifts for families when traditional fundraising events were cancelled due to COVID.
• Delivering Lanakila Meals on Wheels for homebound and disabled seniors.
• Organizing a fundraising program with Pagoda Restaurant to provide meals and personal protective equipment (PPE) for essential workers.
• Preparing and delivering 3,000 comforting holiday cards to residents of 15 nursing homes and military personnel stationed in Hawaii.
• Assisting with service projects such as donating kitchenware, furniture, clothing, and other household goods for families in need.
• Creating a safe drive-thru food event to bring joy to 170 homebound seniors of both the Kapahulu Senior Center and Lanakila Senior Center.
• Assisting with Waikiki Lions Club’s Project DANA, providing PPE, household goods, and nourishing food to homebound and disabled seniors.
• Officiating virtual funeral services for many who passed away during the pandemic, helping families find peace, comfort, and closure.

“In his tireless efforts, Reverend Tad Iwata has led by example and proven that civic responsibility is still more important than ever,” said Keali‘i Lopez, AARP Hawai‘i State Director. “Volunteers make life better in communities across the country every day. We’re proud to honor Iwata’s commitment and dedication throughout the past year to help those most impacted from the coronavirus. AARP’s Create the Good ‘Show Your Love’ contest allows our community to shine a light on these tremendous contributions.”

AARP’s “Show Your Love” winners were selected based on the following criteria:

• Level of impact the volunteer made on their community
• How far the volunteer’s service went above and beyond the call of duty
• Length and degree of volunteer service
  

AARP’s Create the Good® connects volunteers with opportunities benefiting their local communities. The online program features around 42,000 volunteer daily opportunities – 6,000+ of which can be undertaken safely from home. To learn more, visit www.createthegood.org/showyourlove.