About
Project Dana is a Faith In Action program that provides a variety of services to the frail elderly and disabled to ensure their wellbeing, independence, and dignity in an environment of their choice.
Support comes from a corps of trained volunteers guided by the principle of “Dana,” which combines selfless giving and compassion without desire for recognition or reward.
Dāna is a Sanskrit and Pali term meaning “generosity” or “giving”. In Buddhism, it also refers to the practice of cultivating generosity. Ultimately, the practice culminates in one of the Perfections: the Perfection of Giving. This can be characterized by unattached and unconditional generosity, giving and letting go.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide compassionate support and services to Hawaii's Kupuna and their caregivers.
Our Vision
Our vision is that every elderly person and their caregivers have the support and services they need to maintain their independence and dignity.
Our Co-founders
In 1989, Shimeji Kanazawa and Rose Nakamura started Project Dana at the Moiliili Hongwanji. More than 30 years later, Project Dana has evolved and grown into an interfaith coalition of 30 or more churches and temples throughout
Hawaii and has trained many hundreds of volunteers to play a supportive and critical role in the lives of elders and
caregivers.
"Shimeji Kanazawa: Invaluable devotion to Hawaii's families spanned decades" by Leila Fujimori, Honolulu Star Bulletin (4/19/2014)
"Rose Nakamura's Legacy of Caring" by Kevin Y. Kawamoto, Hawaii Herald (8/7/2020)
Our Logo
Project Dana’s choice of the lotus as its logo arises from the beautiful universal symbolism of the lotus itself. In ancient Egypt, among the Phoenicians and the early Persian dynasties, throughout Asia and India the lotus has for millennia been revered as the source of energy and the warmth that is compassion.
In the Buddhist tradition in particular, the lotus growing out of the mud to rise to the pure beauty of its flowering, symbolizes the spiritual journey of each of us. Like the lotus we, too, rise from the darkness of ignorance and self centeredness to the pure beauty, light and warmth of compassion selflessly extended to others.
Explanation of logo by Ruth Tabrah