Volunteers & Philanthropy

Volunteer Made.

Propelled by Passion

The Y was founded, led and built by the generosity of volunteers at every stage— from London to Honolulu. The first YMCA of Honolulu “capital campaign” took place on September 15, 1881. The Y was 12 years old but lacked its own building. Founder Peter Jones threw out the first challenge—he’d donate $500 towards the purchase of property if at least two other members did the same. Within two minutes, members pledged $2,170. A committee was formed to raise the rest. One year later, the cornerstone was laid for YMCA of Honolulu’s first building.

Legacy of Service

The first Y’s Men’s Club in Hawai‘i was organized at the Nu‘uanu YMCA in 1926—four years after the first club was formed in Toledo, Ohio. The Y’s Men’s Club fostered fellowship and helped the Y in its mission of building character in youth and in addressing the critical needs of the time. Y's Men's Clubs continue their legacy of service today as Y Service and Y's Men's and Women's Clubs. 

More Than a Promise

Today, the YMCA of Honolulu’s “More than a Promise” $15 million Capital Campaign is more than 50% complete and will support renovations to aging cabins at Camp H.R. Erdman, replace a trailer with a permanent building and activity courts at the YMCA Wai‘anae Program Center, and renovate Nu‘uanu YMCA so it can better serve its changing community.

1955 Sustaining Membership Campaign at the Nu‘uanu YMCA.

Early Fundraising was held by "passing the hat" at meetings. In 1882, membership dues were established to support the YMCA's charitable work - $2 annually or $250 for a lifetime membership. Today, through the YMCA of Honolulu's Annual Campaign, over a $1 million is raised each year in support of critical programs and services for those in need.
1910 Capital Campaign report meeting for the 1911 Central YMCA building and the campaign brochure for the 1951 Central YMCA. Since then, successful capital campaigns have been held for each of the YMCA of Honolulu’s buildings and major programs.
 March 15, 1919 Honolulu Star-Bulletin article about the new United Welfare Campaign. YMCA Honolulu officials led Hawai‘i’s United War Work Council, a combined appeal in support of servicemen and war relief that raised $300,000 in 1918, and resulted in the United Welfare Campaign which was the forerunner of the Community Chest and today’s Aloha United Way.
1928 Boys’ Club volunteer leaders. Beginning in the 1920s, Y Men’s Club members helped recruit and train volunteer leaders for YMCA Boys’ Clubs, which served underserved youth throughout O‘ahu.

Honolulu District Y’s Service Club members at a Camp H.R.  Erdman cabin painting project. Today, Hawaii’s nine Y’s Service Clubs in support of the YMCA, raise funds, bring hope to those in need, serve as mentors to youth, and help restore aging facilities and buildings.
1883 YMCA Honolulu volunteer working committee.

The Y had no paid staff. Volunteers visited patients at Queen’s Hospital, counseled prisoners, helped newcomers find employment and lodging, and provided character- building activities for boys and men.
"More Than a Promise" capital campaign artist renderings of renovated YMCA Wai‘anae Youth Center, Nu‘uanu YMCA, and Camp H.R. Erdman cabins.

Athletics & Well-Being ➔