Posts Categorized: Community Giving
TOTE Maritime Partnering with Organizations around Puerto Rico to Provide Relief
November 17, 2017
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Since Hurricane Maria hit on September 20th, TOTE Maritime has delivered more than 17,000 containers of relief and commercial cargo to the island with an additional 2,500 containers scheduled to arrive in the next week. This includes:
- more than 8,000 generators
- more than 4 million gallons of water
- 765,000 bags of ice
In addition to bringing vital goods to the island, TOTE Maritime employees in Puerto Rico have supported more than 20 organizations throughout the island and hosted community events each week to distribute food, fuel, water and other items necessary for day to day life.
Below are some of the main organizations TOTE Maritime has partnered with over the last two months to support diverse and critical relief efforts throughout the island.
Eduardo Pagán, Vice President of TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, together with Fernando Lloveras, Executive Director of Para la Naturaleza, joined efforts to support more than 800 families in four different areas of the Island: San Cristóbal community in the center town of Barranquitas; the Esperanza community in the north town of Manatí; Punta Pozuelo community in the southeast municipality of Guayama; and the Island of Culebra. Arriving early in the morning, employees gathered to prepare food for the community, and later distributed basic need products, groceries, an ice bag, bottled water boxes and 20,000 gallons of potable water to each family. The consumer goods company Unilever also supported this effort providing various hygiene and cleaning items for all the impacted communities. The collaboration will continue to support the communities until no longer needed.
“As soon as we received the offer from TOTE Maritime, we did not hesitate to add their efforts to the Community Fund Para la Naturaleza, which was created after Hurricanes Irma and María. We will continue to reach the communities most in need – the commitment we have with them is long term. In the first instance, we want to support them in their stabilization process, but beyond that, our interest is to help them create the conditions for stronger and more sustainable communities to emerge,” said Fernando Lloveras San Miguel, President of Para la Naturaleza.”
Para la Naturaleza is an organization that brings together all people who seek a sustainable future for Puerto Rico, facilitates transformative experiences in nature, conserves land of high ecological value, encourages the taking of responsibility for our natural resources and promotes public policy that would result in the protection of these natural resources. After the passage of Hurricane María the organization created the Para la Naturaleza Community Fund to bring aid directly to the communities directly around key ecological areas and support rebuilding efforts.
Centro Tau of the Ricky Martin Foundation
In mid-October, TOTE Maritime delivered containers filled with fuel, stoves and medicine on behalf of Monica Puig and Maria Sharapova who visited the island to distribute these items at the Centro Tau of the Ricky Martin Foundation in the municipality of Loíza.
“I am so thankful for the help that TOTE Maritime has given me with my relief efforts for Puerto Rico. To be able to have the supplies shipped to the island in such a fast, safe and efficient manner means the world to me and enabled to make it possible to hand out all these products to the people that needed it so badly” noted Ms. Puig, a Puerto Rican tennis player and the reigning Olympic champion.
TOTE Maritime has been collaborating with P.E.C.E.S. in the southeast town of Humacao. This organization fosters social, economic, educational development of individuals and communities in social disadvantage. The community received a donation and container transportation of 4,000 bags of ice from TOTE Maritime.
Hogar El Buen Pastor
TOTE Maritime donated meals, water, ice, adult diapers and cleaning and hygiene products in the elderly home El Bueno Pastor located in the city of Guaynabo, and impacting over 50 elderly people.
Elderly Task Force
In partnership with the Government of Puerto Rico, TOTE Maritime donated ground transportation to deliver products donated, such as canned fruits, juices and crackers for elderly around the island. These items were donated by different entities such as by Econo Supermarket, PRS, Mars, Unilever and Welch’s.
TOTE Maritime employees from Jacksonville together with the Hunger Fight Meals organization prepared over 5,000 meal kit. Each meal kit will feed a family of 4 and includes rice and beans, oatmeal and macaroni and cheese. The entity is focus on providing nutritious meals to children and families deemed food insecure and hungry and is partnering with a number of organizations interested in delivering meals to those in Puerto Rico.
TOTE Maritime – Supporting Employees and their families
As part of TOTE Maritime’s efforts to help the Puerto Rican people move forward, the company initially focused on providing basic necessities to each employee and their families including items such as electric generators, propane burners, battery fans and other critical items.
Even though all of TOTE Maritime’s employees in Puerto Rico were significantly impacted by Hurricane Maria, it was TOTE’s employees who identified urgent needs around the island and developed weekly programs for supporting various communities and diverse needs.
Together with its partners, TOTE Maritime is committed to meeting to the immediate needs of the island while also supporting the long-term regeneration of the island’s economy which is critical for the people and communities of Puerto Rico as they adjust to life after Hurricane Maria.
TOTE Maritime has served Puerto Rico and its communities for the last 35 years. With the world’s first liquefied natural gas powered ships serving the market, TOTE Maritime can provide twice weekly deliveries to the island.
TOTE Maritime Playing Critical Role in Delivery of Relief Goods to Puerto Rico
October 26, 2017
Jacksonville, FL – TOTE Maritime, through its partnerships with diverse organizations and individuals such as Monica Puig and the American Red Cross, is playing a leading role in the delivery of relief cargo to Puerto Rico.
Eduardo Pagan, TOTE Maritime VP in Puerto Rico and Monica Puig helped coordinate the distribution of relief supplies.
Earlier this week, TOTE Maritime delivered containers filled with fuel, stoves and medicine on behalf of Monica Puig and Maria Sharapova who visited the island to distribute these items. “I am so thankful for the help that TOTE Maritime has given me with my relief efforts for Puerto Rico. To be able to have the supplies shipped to the island in such a fast, safe and efficient manner means the world to me and enabled to make it possible to hand out all these products to the people that needed it so badly” noted Ms. Puig, a Puerto Rican tennis player and the reigning Olympic champion.
TOTE Maritime has also worked closely with customers and non-profit organizations to meet the ever changing and increasing needs of the island.
Chris Swartz, Director of AJC Logistics noted “TOTE Maritime’s efforts to support our company, our customers and, most importantly, the people on the island have been extraordinary. Their flexibility and solutions oriented approach in this time of crisis is ensuring the timely delivery of relief goods while sustaining and reinvigorating the island’s economy. They are the leader of refrigerated cargo shipment to the island. Reliable refrigerated cargo delivery means restaurants, retailers and hotels are open and people are able to get back to work and support their families.”
Sergio Sandrin, President of Aquagulf Transport, commented “Since Maria hit Puerto Rico, we have worked closely with TOTE Maritime to keep our customers supply chain moving forward. Over the last month, at every step along the way, TOTE has clearly communicated the challenges and worked with us on solutions.”
TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico team in San Juan
TOTE Maritime and its partners are committed to meeting to the immediate needs of the island while also supporting the long-term regeneration of the island’s economy which is critical for the people and communities of Puerto Rico as they adjust to life after Hurricane Maria.
“We are appreciative for the partnership with TOTE Maritime to support the people of Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria,” said Lauren Ulrich, Director of Logistics Support for Disaster Cycle Services at the American Red Cross. “TOTE’s commitment to people, communities and the environment make them a good disaster response partner.”
Since Hurricane Maria, TOTE Maritime has delivered more than 9300 containers of relief good and cargo to the island. The Isla Bella arrived yesterday with more than 1040 containers and the Perla del Caribe will arrive this weekend.
Hawaii Petroleum Receives Maui Nonprofit Directors’ Association Award –
October 20, 2016
“Community Business Award”
Maui, Hawaii – The Maui Nonprofit Directors Association recently announced its award recipients at its 2016 Legislative Pau Hana event. Hawaii Petroleum was awarded the “Community Business Award” recognizing their impressive work as an outstanding business leader in the non-profit community.
Hawaii Petroleum has a long history of community giving, donating thousands of dollars to charitable organizations and fundraising events throughout the Big Island and Maui County. One such program is Hawaii Petroleum’s popular Ohana Fuels “Fuel up. Do good.” program. Ohana Fuels partners with nonprofit organizations serving the needs of the local community by donating a portion of the proceeds of every gallon of gasoline sold at its stations in that community. Donations from gasoline sales during the first half of this year on the islands of Maui and the Big Island were more than $30,000.
In addition to its donations from the “Fuel up. Do good.” program, so far in 2016 Hawaii Petroleum has donated $77,499 to local communities, $45,000 of which is their contribution to Saltchuk’s Hawaii Regional Giving Program. Hawaii Petroleum is a subsidiary of Saltchuk, a Seattle-based privately owned family of diversified transportation and distribution companies. Saltchuk prides itself on its commitment to community giving and support, calling it the very heart of the company’s culture. Over the past decade, Saltchuk companies have given an average of $2.5 million each year, totaling more than $20 million in cash and in-kind support to the communities in which they operate.
Hawaii Petroleum is proud to support local organizations and their missions that are important to their customers. Kimo Haynes, Hawaii Petroleum President, said, “It’s an honor to receive this award. As you know, community giving is a big part of our culture, both personally and professionally. As a local company, our business only exists because of our community, and we feel it’s important to give back”.
Paul Tonnessen, President of the Maui Nonprofit Directors Association says, “The Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui was fortunate along with numerous other nonprofits to financially benefit from the generosity of Hawaii Petroleum. We have completed a variety of educational projects that have impacted the children of abuse and neglect dramatically. Hawaii Petroleum is always reaching out to the nonprofits in various ways including the ability to participate in their quarterly give back from the fuel sales. This also allows the nonprofits the use of the Minit Stops to conduct car washes which brings not only additional revenue to the agencies but also gives them exposure in the community. I am honored to have not only recommended Hawaii Petroleum for the “Community Business Award” but to also see that the rest of the Maui nonprofits felt the same during the voting process. The nonprofit community recognizes the difference they have made and how they continue to impact the lives of those in need in our community. Hawaii Petroleum has and continues to show us all the true meaning of giving.”
Hawaii Petroleum Inc. is a leading independent distributor of petroleum products and lubricants on the islands of Maui and Hawaii. Learn more at www.hawaiipetroleum.com.
Saltchuk Hawaii Companies give $150,000 to fund scholarships for neighbor island MBA students
October 10, 2016
The Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa received an gift of $150,000 for scholarships from Saltchuk Hawai‘i companies, which is comprise of Aloha Air Cargo, Maui/Hawaii Petroleum, and Young Brothers. Since 2006, Saltchuk Resources, Inc. and its Saltchuk Hawaii companies have donated approximately $680,000 in scholarships to the Shidler College of Business, affirming their commitment to developing future business leaders on the Neighbor Islands and supporting the communities they serve.
This story published by Shidler College of Business.
The scholarship gift will be used to help Neighbor Island students enrolled in the 2016-2018 Distance Learning Executive MBA program. The scholarship will be awarded based on community service, merit and financial need. To be eligible, students must work on Kaua‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i or Hawai‘i Island and be a State of Hawai‘i resident.
Distance Learning Executive MBA student A. Eunny Cook from Maui said, “I am sincerely grateful to Saltchuk Hawaii Companies for their substantial scholarship. This scholarship has afforded all of us from the neighbor island to come together and be part of this transformational experience.”
The 22-month Distance Learning Executive MBA program provides a unique hybrid approach to teaching that combines the Internet, state-of-the-art distance learning technology and traditional teaching methods. The program enables students to expand their business perspectives, sharpen their business skills, build professional networks and earn their MBA degrees—all without leaving their island.
Foss Partners with Seattle Maritime Academy to Provide State-of-the-Art Training for Mariners
September 21, 2016
Mock up of the simulator complex.
SEATTLE, Wash.- Foss Maritime has entered into a four-year agreement with the Seattle Maritime Academy to support their new training facility, which includes a state-of-the-art engine room simulator, a full mission bridge simulator and a computer simulation training laboratory.
Foss’ experienced mariners will have access to the new simulators, along with the customized professional development training offered by Seattle Maritime Academy, to support upgrading or renew licensing, and learn new skills.
“At Foss, safety is our top concern. And when it comes to avoiding accidents, there are three things that really help: practice, practice, and practice. Having as much time as possible on a simulator is an excellent way for mariners to build their skills and confidence in vessel handling, navigation, and equipment handling,” said Scott Merritt senior vice president at Foss.
The new facility will also prepare students new to the industry for maritime careers, with professional/technical programs in Maritime Engineering Technology and Marine Deck Technology.
“We are grateful for Foss’ support and participation as we build this new resource for the community, and are looking forward to working with Foss mariners to build their skills,” said Sarah Scherer, Director/Associate Dean of Seattle Maritime Academy.
“This partnership is a continuation of a strong relationship that also includes successfully placing SMA students with Foss for internships, where they receive at-sea and real world experience, while acquiring the required sea time to upgrading their credentials,” she said.
“Foss, like other companies in the maritime industry, is experiencing increasing demand for skilled mariners as many of our employees near retirement. We are excited to have a high quality program here in Seattle to train the next generation of mariners,” said Darlene Crowder, Vice President of Human Resources.
The Seattle Maritime Building 1, comprising of 24,000 square feet in two floors, opening ceremony will be held on October 6, 2016. The building will be christened, like a vessel. Foss and other industry professionals will be in attendance.
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Founded in 1889, Seattle-based Foss Maritime offers a complete range of maritime services and project management to customers across the Pacific Rim, Europe, South America and around the globe. Foss has one of the largest fleets of tugs and barges on the American West Coast. The company has harbor services and transportation operations in all major U.S. West Coast ports, including the Columbia and Snake River system, Hawaii and Alaska. Foss operates two shipyards and offers worldwide marine transportation, emphasizing safety, environmental responsibility and high-quality service. See www.foss.com for more information.