TORONTO — Intrepid Travel is lending a hand to help those in need in Hawaii by launching an emergency appeal and committing US$50,000 through its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation.

The island is dealing with the aftermath of devastating wildfires that ravaged Maui, particularly Lahaina, earlier this month. With nearly 100 deaths and thousands displaced, the wildfires are now considered the worst natural disaster in the state’s history, and the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century.

To offer relief to communities affected by the crisis, The Intrepid Foundation has partnered with the American Red Cross. The Foundation will match donations to the Hawaii Wildfire Appeal up to US$50,000, doubling donors’ impact. The donation will enable the aid organization to provide emergency shelter, food relief and other critical assistance.

“Intrepid Travel was founded on the idea of using travel as a force for good,” said Matt Berna, Intrepid’s President of the Americas. “By launching this appeal and matching donations, we aim to support the local communities in Hawaii as they recover and get back on their feet, many of whom have devastatingly lost their homes and their livelihoods.

“Hawaii is such a beloved tourism destination for so many North Americans and travellers globally, and this tragedy is a start reminder of the fragility of our natural world and the places we love visiting the most. Our thoughts are with all of those who have lost loved ones and whose lives have been deeply impacted by the first.”

Red Cross disaster workers are supporting emergency shelters on the islands of Maui and Oahu, which, in addition to providing a safe place to stay and food to eat, help those affected with access to relief supplies, health, mental health and spiritual care services, support with finding loved ones, and casework assistance as people plan their next steps.

To donate, visit Hawaii Wildfire Appeal.