For the second year in a row, the Red Cross Volunteer Recruitment Team proudly hosted teams for the Honolulu Pride Parade and Festival, celebrating diversity, inclusion, and the aloha spirit that unites our islands.

This annual event is a joyful opportunity to connect with our community and share our commitment that “Everyone is Welcome” at the Red Cross, as volunteers, partners, and those we serve. Our presence at Honolulu Pride also highlights the organization’s continued progress of inclusion, including more equitable blood donation opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community through updated screening processes.

Thanks to a micro-grant from our national Blood Services team, we were able to expand our presence this year, marching in the parade and hosting a booth at the Pride Festival. Our table team of five dedicated volunteers welcomed visitors, shared information about Red Cross services and volunteer opportunities, and gave out plenty of Red Cross SWAG (and smiles!). Meanwhile, 15 team members marched and even drove vehicles through Waikīkī, surrounded by rainbows, laughter, and community pride.

It was a day filled with joy, connection, and aloha — a reminder that at the Red Cross, everyone has a place.

Special shout-out to our volunteers and those who supported our teams: Jasmine Ricks, Julie Yerkes, Brandy Ledet + Wife, Ma. Lourdes Grulla (Des), Craig Niiya (our MERV driver), Nathan Vosters (a first timer!), Tod Aeby, Rose Buchanan (our Caboose- making sure no one got left behind!), Flinn Curren, Mia Daggett (our team's nurse), Derek Day and star of the show Miss Ellie-Mae (from our SAF Human Animal Bond program), Emily Kukulies (our VOAD representative), Philip Lampron (photographer extraordinaire), Boyao Su and Isabella Lee (our youth volunteers) and Wendy Marsh and Joy Jose for helping to set the festival tent up on Friday afternoon.