Warrior Insider

The University of Hawai’i basketball team ended the 2016 calendar year on a positive note, and it had nothing to do with results on the court.

The Warriors visited the new Clarence T.C. Ching Hope Lodge Hawaii, and made a donation of $8,000 to the organization, which is affiliated with the American Cancer Society. The money was raised earlier in the year, during a Coaches vs. Cancer dinner at Murphy’s Bar and Grill on November 17.

“It’s a start; we’ve got a ways to go,” Hawai’i head coach Eran Ganot said. “But it’s about giving back and we’ve all in one way or another, have all been touched by cancer … we’re all united in this battle. We have these fights, these battles, every day with the game, but there’s no bigger opponent than cancer.”

The visit and donation to Hope Lodge Hawaii was part of the UH basketball program’s continued commitment to community service. The Warriors have also visited elementary schools and homeless shelters in the past.

Senior captain Mike Thomas said he appreciated the recent visit to Hope Lodge Hawaii because he has lost relatives to cancer. “It’s a big deal – my grandpa died with leukemia, so it hits home a little bit,” he said.

He added that the team understands the importance of “giving back.”

“We’re extremely fortunate. We get to play sports, we get our school paid for, we get free gear, free food, free clothing, whatever, it’s easy to forget other people,” Thomas said. “It’s important to give back to those in need who need support and encouragement. It doesn’t have to be money, it can be just presence.”

Hope Lodge Hawaii, which is located at 251 South Vineyard Street, was officially opened in late-November of this year. It was created to help provide temporary lodging for cancer patients and their families during times of need.

There are only 33 Hope Lodge facilities in the United States, and this is the first one in Hawai’i.

CLICK HERE to learn more about American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge