Selfless giving with no expectation of any return (Dana) ...

In 1989, Auntie Shim and Rose Nakamura started Project Dana at the Moiliili Hongwanji.  A dear friend, Buddhist scholar and author, Ruth Tabrah, selected the name.  "Dana" is the Buddhist sanskrit term for selfless giving with no expectation of any return. 

Annually, Project Dana recruits, trains, and connects 850  volunteers who devote more than 50,000 hours to the frail, diabled, and elderly in their environment of choice.  Volunteer services include:

• Just sitting and chatting;

• Relieving and supporting family caregivers;

• Providing transportation (medical, grocery, shopping, religious);

• Regular telephone visits;

• Minor home repairs/light housekeeping;

• Home safety assessment/education

The Project Dana coalition in Hawaii now includes 32 churches/temples of multiple religious faiths who collaborate with more than 150 public and private agencies.  Chapters have also opened in California and Japan.

To learn more about, volunteer, or donate to Project Dana, see the information in right column (or below in mobile view).