Help Sydney and her family - MAUI FIRE RECOVERY

Update 8/21/23- Aloha everyone, this is Melissa. I just wanted to thank everyone who has contributed to this fund for Sydney, Chris and Lainey. The outpouring of love and support has been more than we could have imagined. Like so many, their lives have been turned upside down and so much is still so uncertain. All of your shares, posts, and financial contributions have provided them with much-needed hope and comfort. Please know that Sydney and Chris are truly humbled by all of your help, grateful for all your love, and are more thankful than words could ever express.

With all my love <3 - Melissa (with notes from Sydney and Chris)

Original- It is with the heaviest heart that I share this Go Fund Me on behalf of my dearest friend Sydney and her family. Like so many others, Sydney, Chris, and their 2-year-old daughter Lainey lost their home and all of their possessions in the Lahaina fire.

Sydney moved to Maui 10 years ago, and Chris over 8 years ago. They both quickly settled in, making friends everywhere they went. Chris is lovingly known around town as "Smiles," and for good reason - he's always got one, and after you talk to him you'll have one, too. Similarly, Sydney is a ray of sunshine. Going anywhere in Lahaina with Sydney meant that you were sure to stop about a dozen times to say "hi" to other Lahaina locals - I swear she knows everyone!

They built their home on Maui and cherished the sense of community Lahaina offered. They worked in hospitality at places like Lahaina Fish Co. and Kimo's. Fell in love at Westside Bagel. They took Lainey to Front St. for Shave Ice, surfed in the waters off Lahaina, and spent date nights downtown. They rented an apartment from Chris's sister, Nicole, and brother-in-law, JD. The property they shared with Nicole, JD, and their daughters was a dream. It was beautiful and welcoming. It was where they brought Lainey home from the hospital. Where they spent mornings sipping coffee and watching the sunrise over the mountains. Where they spent evenings in their lush backyard with friends and neighbors watching the sunset as the kids played on the swings. Like so many, everything they knew is now gone. Their small-town day-to-day life is just a memory. Their hometown lost completely to the fires.

Please donate what you can, every little bit helps. And please share their story and this page. This Go Fund Me will put money directly into the pockets of those affected - without an application process, without delay, and without any additional hoops to jump through. Sydney and Chris plan to use this money to rebuild their lives and help rebuild their community however they can.

Again, I kindly ask that you donate and share.