Collin Morikawa Steps Up to Support Maui Wildfire Victims
The recent wildfires in Maui have had a devastating impact, leaving more than 100 people dead and causing widespread destruction. Amidst the tragedy, the community is coming together to support those affected, with help coming from unexpected places. One of those offering assistance is PGA golfer Collin Morikawa, who has a deeply personal connection to the Hawaiian island.
Morikawa, a 26-year-old two-time major winner, has family ties to Maui and has been deeply affected by the destruction caused by the wildfires. His grandfather once owned an eatery, The Morikawa Restaurant, on Front Street in Lahaina, where over 1,000 structures have been destroyed. This personal connection has spurred Morikawa into action.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Morikawa announced that he would be donating $1,000 for every birdie he makes during the FedEx Cup playoffs to support the recovery efforts in Maui. He described the pain he felt upon seeing the fires spread across the island and expressed his desire to help the people of Hawaii.
"The people of Hawaii are going to need all the support that we can give them," Morikawa said in his post. "During the course of the playoffs, I’m going to donate $1000 for every birdie that I make. The recency of these events means we haven’t identified the best place for the funds to go yet, but as the situation evolves, I’ll share the beneficiary to highlight the recovery work they’ll be doing and how you can also support."
Morikawa spoke to reporters at the FedEx St. Jude Championship about his connection to the island and his intention to help. Most of his family had moved to Oahu, and thankfully, those who remained seemed to be okay. But the pain and loss felt by the community weighed heavily on him.
"It’s devastating what we’ve been seeing," Morikawa said, according to the Associated Press. "The before-and-after photos are just heartbreaking, knowing that my entire dad’s side of the family grew up there. My grandparents were born in Lahaina. We had the restaurant out there. That’s what the photo was. We went there as kids. It’s a special place."
Collin's commitment to helping the people of Maui is evident in his words and actions. In the first round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, he made six birdies, contributing $6,000 to the relief efforts from that performance alone. Collin, who grew up in Los Angeles, knows how important it is to support those in need during times of crisis.
"Look, it’s one of the best places in the world we travel to year in and year out to go to Kapalua, play golf there," Morikawa continued in his conversation with reporters. "I know I’m going to ask my sponsors, I’m going to ask people that I know just to help out. Anything helps — per birdie I make, whatever you can afford, whatever you want to put in. I’m going to be pushing hard to make those birdies, and hopefully everyone else can reach out and help out as much as they can."
Morikawa's efforts are a reminder that in times of crisis, everyone has a role to play in helping those affected by natural disasters. The wildfires in Maui, fanned by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, have had a catastrophic impact on the community. The fires have burned multiple buildings, forced evacuations, and caused power outages, leaving approximately 13,000 residents without power.
Emergency responders have been working tirelessly to battle the fires and provide support to the affected communities. Fire crews have faced numerous challenges, including downed trees and power lines that have cut off access to certain areas. In addition to the immediate firefighting efforts, there is a great need for resources and assistance to help the community recover and rebuild.
Collin Morikawa's initiative to donate for every birdie he makes during the FedEx Cup playoffs is a tangible way to provide support to those in need. As a professional golfer with a wide following, Morikawa has the platform to raise awareness and encourage others to contribute to the relief efforts.
Morikawa's personal connection to the island and his determination to help are evident in his words and actions. His commitment is a testament to the power of individuals to make a positive difference during times of crisis. It serves as an example of how everyone can contribute to supporting those affected by natural disasters and helping communities rebuild.
As the situation in Maui continues to evolve, Morikawa has promised to share updates on the beneficiary of his donations and how others can also support the recovery efforts. The PGA golfer's efforts are a shining example of how individuals, regardless of their profession or background, can take action to help those in need during challenging times.
With the ongoing support of individuals like Morikawa, as well as the broader state and national community, there is hope that the people of Maui can recover from the devastating effects of the wildfires and rebuild their lives.