Yumwoof Natural Pet Food has partnered with Shep Gordon, ROAM Maui and Maui Humane Society to donate nutrient-dense dog food for the thousands of displaced dogs on Maui island. The group will be rapidly delivering 500 bags of its air-dried dog food this month to dogs critically in need of supplies. With an estimated 3,000 dogs currently displaced from families, Yumwoof has chosen to lead a disaster relief effort ensuring dogs in Maui do not go hungry as a result of the wildfire climate disaster.
The three-year-old premium dog food brand has partnered with ROAM Maui, a members-only air shuttle service, which will be transporting the donated food to Maui on its Boeing 737. This collaboration has significantly facilitated Yumwoof’s efforts to deliver food to the Maui Humane Society. Shep Gordon, a respected figure on the island, has been instrumental in facilitating connections and efforts to aid the Maui community. Yumwoof’s founders extend their gratitude to the widely-loved talent manager, film producer and philanthropist who many call the unofficial mayor of Maui.
LA-based talent manager Irvin Gelb also made an invaluable contribution, according to Yumwoof’s founders. Yumwoof was founded in 2020 by husband-and-wife duo, Jaron Lukas and Ana Padilla. Self-described “lovers of our planet,” the couple shares a deep concern over the environmental devastation and the dislocation of families on the beautiful island of Maui. “As a sustainability-focused leader, I am heartbroken about the recent tragedy in Maui—a sacred place dear to my heart. It's a devastating situation, and I’m doing everything I can to help those impacted," says Jaron Lukas. Ana Padilla adds, "Jaron and I are committed to ongoing efforts to support the community in any way we can.”
Yumwoof has donated $30,000 worth of its air-dried dog food in this August donation. The boutique brand is seeking corporate partners who can support the company in providing even more air-dried dog food to the island. Yumwoof encourages anyone interested in supporting their efforts to reach out via email for more information. As a result of this significant disaster relief endeavor, Yumwoof has announced it will be taking steps to form the YUMWOOF CARES Charity Foundation to make disaster relief an ongoing part of its core mission, to counterbalance the effects of climate change, and to help families with dogs in need of assistance.
