Testimonial
Each month, VASH comes to the aid of visitors who are the victims of a crime, or who become ill, or pass away during their stay in Hawaii. The following are excerpts of correspondence from grateful family members and other individuals. In certain cases, the last names of the visitors have been omitted to protect their privacy.
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“Dear Ms. Rich: On behalf of the people of the state of Hawaii, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii for your assistance following the discontinuation of air service by Aloha Airlines and ATA earlier this month. Many Hawaii residents and visitors were negatively impacted by these...
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Visitor from Massachusetts: Ellie The following is an excerpt from a testimonial written by Ellie to VASH: “Aloha! We hope you are well and your organization continues to thrive! Thank you so much for all your help in Honolulu. It was wonderful, and a real treat to meet you. My best to you always.” Husband...
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Visitors: Ahmet (left) and Sevda (right) Two visitors from Turkey are grateful to VASH after the assistance we provided. During their visit to “Paradise”, Ahmet and Sevda became victims of theft. The incident happened at Waimanalo Beach Park. Their rental car was broken into and their personal belongings were stolen. With no money and no...
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VASH Volunteers: Erika Wyrtki (Left), Hilkka Easterwood (Center), and visitor from Germany: Ilse (Right) The following is an excerpt from a card sent by Ilse to VASH: “I want to express my most sincere gratitude for the help and care you provided for me in one of the darkest times of my life. Your help...
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Visitor from New Zealand: Kashif The following is an excerpt from a testimonial written by Kashif to VASH: “I just wanted to thank you for all your help during my stay in Waikiki. I can’t thank you and your association enough as you really helped me to get back on my feet as well as...
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“We went from feeling totally lost to feeling looked after,” said Australian visitors Cyril (left) and Margaret (right) after Cyril had a medical emergency. They said they were very grateful to VASH and the Australian Consulate for all their help and attention. Cyril and Margaret...
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Japanese visitor Yu (center) is assisted by VASH Board member and volunteer Joe Magaldi (right) along with VASH President Jessica Rich (left). She had her purse stolen. We worked closely with the Japanese Consulate who also assisted Yu. Yu said she felt comforted by our support. Yu...
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Volunteers Hilkka Easterwood (left) and Rick Texier (right) bid an “Aloha” farewell to Philadelphia visitors Michael (center, left) and Leah (center, right) after Michael was medically released from Straub Hospital. They said they felt cared for and were very grateful to VASH for our services. Michael and Leah (Philadelphia,...
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“I’m writing this email on behalf of my wife Annie who was recently in Honolulu, with the Australian contingent, at the Sweet Adelines Convention. Unfortunately she took ill & had to spend several days in [the] hospital. All her Aussie friends had departed Honolulu & she was left there sick & lonely, until two of...
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“It has been a month now since our time with you in Honolulu and Greg & I still talk about how kind and wonderful you [Jessica and Bob] were to us and our children. At a time when our world tilted so far, you came to us and not only gave us some rather critical...