North Shore Give caravan delivers gratitude to Kauaʻi’s first responders

In a moving gesture of appreciation on National First Responders Day, local nonprofit North Shore Give took to the road, forming a caravan of gratitude that stopped at fire stations, police departments and ambulance bases across Kaua’i.

North Shore Give gathered its members and volunteers on Tuesday for its inaugural National First Responders Day caravan with a simple idea: “Bring back the personal touch of gratitude,” said Stefan Swanepoel, president of North Shore Give.

“They don’t win trophies, but they have won our hearts and gratitude for stepping up when we need them the most,” he said.

The caravan began on the North Shore and headed into Līhu’e, stopping at seven stations and surprising first responders with T-shirts and treat boxes with banana bread loaves and snickerdoodle cookies, home-baked by North Shore Give’s treasurer April McGinnis, owner of April’s Aloha Cakes.

The custom T-shirts were provided by the family of Jeremie Makepa, captain at the Kauaʻi Fire Department’s Kaiākea Station.

The first stop for the caravan was the new American Medical Response Hanalei station, where North Shore Give was joined by Kaua’i County Councilmember Felicia Cowden.

“It feels great, they made our day and made us feel great,” said Peter Beemer, paramedic with American Medical Response.

“We work tirelessly for our communities, and we are very grateful for the North Shore Give for thinking of us today,” he said.

The caravan’s second stop was at the Hanalei Station, which houses both the Kauaʻi fire and police departments, where Cowden said: “The whole county council, we really appreciate you both.”

“You made our day,” Kaua’i Police Officer J. Enrique said. “Truly, this is a wonderful surprise, thank you to all of you.”

Last week, the nonprofit presented a new ultrasound machine to Makana North Shore Urgent Care in Princeville, funded entirely by $75,000 in community donations.

The life-saving equipment and specialized training for the urgent care staff marks the first milestone in the nonprofit’s five-year “Gift of Health” campaign, which was launched in 2024 and will continue through 2030.

The goal of the initiative is to provide the urgent care facility with one new piece of essential medical equipment each year for five years.

Onward, the caravan proceeded south to the American Medical Response Kilauea station and the Kaiākea Station.

Maylette Garces, executive director of North Shore Give, thanked the paramedics and firefighters, stating: “Every day, they show up for us — often under tough and unpredictable conditions — and this was our way of showing up for them with gratitude and aloha.”

In Līhu’e, the caravan stopped at the Kauaʻi Police Department Headquarters, the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency and the Kauaʻi Fire Department Headquarters.

“That was a total surprise and so incredibly thoughtful,” said Tiana Victorino, Public Information Officer with the Kaua‘i Police Department. “The officers were really touched by the North Shore Give coming down to personally thank them! Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Kauaʻi Fire Department Deputy Chief Roger Wayne Mills II became emotional as he expressed his gratitude, adding that they do not serve for recognition, but that it is rare when they do receive it.

“It’s a fantastic feeling to be seen,” he said. “It’s a great day for first responders, not only firefighters but paramedics, everyone who’s doing what they can to save lives and be part of the solution. We very rarely hear from the community, but today, we feel it and we really appreciate it.”

Cowden said: “Everyone from the 911 dispatch, to police, fire, AMR ambulance, and ocean safety is an irreplaceable team that works to keep us safe.”

For more information about North Shore Give and its initiatives or events, or to volunteer, click here.