Ameriprise Financial Adopts Homeless Family This Past Christmas January 22, 2013

During this past holiday season, Ameriprise Financial chose to adopt a family from our Ka Pa‘alana Preschool site at the Hope Shelter. In the spirit of the season and in the joy of giving, Ameriprise had hoped to give a special family a Christmas they otherwise may not have had.

On December 21st, 2012, Lisa Shishido and a few others from Ameriprise came to meet with the Montayre family. On the day of their meeting, a teary-eyed Lisa shared with the family, “I was moved to tears and humbled by the requests on your list. Not only was it simple, but it reminded me of the things that are important in life.” Prior to the visit, the Montayres were asked to prepare a family “Christmas List,” detailing both the things they had desired and the essential objects of daily living.

Lisa, along with another donor, brought an abundance of toys for the children, slippers and shoes for the whole family, various necessities, gifts for the parents, and gift certificates to both Walmart and Zippy’s. They blessed the Montayre family as well as many others in the shelter with their kindness. As an invited guest to the meeting, Ka Pa‘alana Preschool teacher, Kasey Galariada, remembers stories being shared of hardships, perseverance, humility, and gratitude. There was laughter and tears, and most importantly, the sharing of the holiday spirit.

The Montayre family, along with Ka Pa‘alana, express their deepest gratitude to Lisa Shishido and Ameriprise Financial for their generosity, giving spirit, and humble hearts. Mahalo Nui.