MAUI, HAWAII: In a heartfelt and discreet visit that took place a few weeks ago, Ivanka Trump journeyed to the grief-stricken island of Maui in Hawaii, where she lent her support to residents still grappling with the devastating aftermath of wildfires.
The former first daughter joined hands with CityServe International, a humanitarian organization, on a mission of compassion and assistance to the beleaguered community.
Their mission was to provide essential meals and critical supplies to those affected by what became the largest wildfire in US history.
Ivanka Trump's heartfelt and discreet visit to Maui
Accompanied by a dedicated team from CityServe International, Ivanka Trump distributed an impressive 250,000 prepackaged meals to displaced families who had borne the brunt of this cataclysmic disaster.
Their destination was a church in Lahaina, which had transformed into a food pantry serving the local residents.
Dressed in a simple blank tank top and practical green cargo pants, Trump adorned herself with a name tag bearing the endearing moniker 'Iva' as she humbly distributed fresh produce grown locally in Maui.
She passed out fresh vegetables, delivered pre-packaged supplies, and posed for photographs with those she met along the way.
"Her humble presence lifted spirits and reminded the people of Lahaina that they are not forgotten," CityServe said in a statement.
It further read, "Amidst the tears being shed are tangible signs of hope and love, and with the arrival of meals and supplies, our partners and team alongside Ivanka, were hefting boxes of supplies, consoling survivors, and passing out meals to those who’ve lost everything."
The impact of the wildfires had left approximately 6,000 residents displaced, seeking refuge in Maui hotels, while another 1,100 found shelter in Airbnb rentals.
Ivanka Trump and the team from CityServe International ensured that food, water, local produce, gift cards, and other essential supplies reached these displaced families and individuals, whether they were staying in hotels, local distribution centers, or pantries near Lahaina.
Additionally, the team offered gas cards and air filters, advising residents to avoid drinking tap water and steer clear of fire-damaged areas.
Ivanka Trump leveraged connections for support
Ivanka Trump's connections and influence allowed her to secure donations from various companies to support the people of Maui.
CityServe International announced that in the upcoming week, a 747 filled with $1 million worth of supplies would be en route to Maui.
The cargo would include e-bikes, electric scooters, electronics, toys, dry foods, small appliances, ukuleles, and several pallets of Jockey clothing.
While the wildfires on the island were now under control, the scars on the landscape remained evident, with 2,170 acres of land charred. The devastating toll included 97 lives lost and 66 people still missing.
Ivanka Trump's partnership with CityServe International has spanned almost four years, marked by a deep commitment to humanitarian work.
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, she collaborated with the organization to provide food to those in dire need.
Moreover, she played a pivotal role in assisting CityServe International in sending 1 million meals to Ukrainians and traveling to Poland with them to support refugees.
In a marked departure from politics, Ivanka Trump has redirected her focus toward charity work and the upbringing of her three children alongside her husband, Jared Kushner.
The Kushner/Trump family relocated to Florida after their time in Washington DC, where both Ivanka and Jared served as advisors in President Trump's administration.
From Oprah Winfrey to Stevie Nicks, challenges of celebrity-led relief efforts
Ivanka's visit to Maui garnered substantial praise and appreciation, a sharp contrast to the public backlash that Oprah Winfrey faced for her involvement in wildfire relief efforts.
Oprah, along with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, encountered criticism after asking fans to contribute funds to assist those affected by the Maui wildfires.
This backlash was amplified by the fact that both celebrities possessed a combined net worth exceeding $2.8 billion.
Oprah Winfrey and a CBS crew were denied entry into shelters, as media access was restricted, as per Star-Advertiser News.
Oprah and Johnson collectively contributed $10 million to launch the People’s Fund of Maui and then turned to social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to encourage their fans to contribute further.
However, fans lashed out against the duo, highlighting their own financial struggles and urging them to contribute more substantially from their immense wealth towards relief efforts.
Aside from Oprah and Johnson, singer Stevie Nicks also faced backlash for her Instagram post about how the tragedy affected her niece's vacation.
