It’s a distance which spans almost 2500 miles, yet for Ike Loa Candle Co. owners Erica and Roberto Escobar, the tragedy of the Maui wildfires may as well have been in their own backyard.

Upon hearing of the tragedy which devastated the Lahaina community and at least 10,000 acres of land, the couple jumped into action.

Erica Escobar shared as soon as the couple saw the devastation, they knew that they wanted to help. As a small business they don’t necessarily have the financial means to cut a check by way of donation. They did, however, have the resources to make candles from items left from other projects.

And so the Maui candle was created for the sole purpose of raising funds to donate toward helping the region and its residents recover from the tragedy.

“A little bit of everything that represented to me light and bright and Hawaii and Maui honestly,” Escobar said of the new offering, sharing the recently created candle features the scents of passion fruit, mango, pineapple and lemongrass.

“We decided immediately we can make candles and sell them and reach more people to help us help Maui,” she said.

The couple stopped production on their fall line – which was in full swing – to focus efforts on making the Maui candle. The goal of selling 200 Maui candles at $25 each was quickly posted to their social media pages, requesting followers to simply “share.”

And “share” they did.

In 48 hours, the company sold out of the 200 in production through 41 states and had a check for $5,000 prepared to send to Hawaii Community Foundation, a longtime notable 501(c)(3).

“They are one of the only non-profits that I know of, that give dollar for dollar of their donations to the cause. They do not take a head count or a percentage for their head count. They service one dollar for one dollar,” she explained. “We’ve already sold nationwide, but it was so great to see. People who hadn’t even heard of us, stepped up to support Maui.”

As a result of the 48-hour success, the business owners have extended the effort through the entire month of August. Supplies have been ordered to continue production of the fundraising candle, which is a proven hit.

“We wanted to extend it because we’ve had a lot of outpour and a lot of people saying they want to help the cause,” she said. “We are trying to make it beneficial for everyone and so everyone has a commemorative piece to remember what Maui was and what Maui will continue to be … something that gave all of us so much joy.”

While the couple is passionate about this effort and helping the island which has been such an important part of their lives, both personally, as well as a Hawaii focused business, this is not an effort they hope to gain from financially.

“Although that would be great that is not my focus for this,” Escobar said. “My hope is that we’re a thriving business after this, but I have what’s important. Everything that I know is safe. If I never sold another candle to my name, I’d be happy to know I helped the people who lost everything. If a small business like us with one location can do it, everybody can chip in a little bit.”

Escobar went on to further state some of the stores/clients they do business with in Hawaii have been greatly affected. Some have been wiped out, some no longer have a business and some employees are not accounted for.

“I think this resonates so much with so many people because this could have been them,” Escobar stated, noting how many have been to Maui, “because if this happened any other time it could be them.”

While the family will continue the efforts through the end of the month, they are aware the impacts of the tragedy and the recovery efforts will continue well beyond that.

“This is not over and this will not be over for a long time,” she shared, noting even beyond the end of August. “The hope here is that people help us help them and also people notice it doesn’t have to be a grand company. It doesn’t have to be a multi-million dollar company to help. You can help.”

To further help with the Maui recovery efforts, the couple has placed a box in their shop for community members to bring donations of need.

Though they have been directed to refrain from sending clothing of any type, the current needs are: baby essentials (bottles, wipes, formula, etc.); feminine products and general hygiene products (toothbrushes, deodorant, razors, non-aerosol items).

“Local people can bring it to us and we will pay to ship it over there,” Escobar shared.

She also noted they may donate through other credible sources as well.

For the family or community member that may not have the financial means to make a contribution, the business owners are encouraging adults and children alike to write letters, notes of inspiration or create colorful artwork.

“We are also sending letters because if you’re in a situation with people who have lost everything, it is hard for me to build you up because I am in the same predicament as you,” she said. “There are children who no longer have parents. Children who have lost everything and they don’t know. So, we are accepting anything of positivity to send over there as well.”

Candles can be purchased for delivery or local pick up at www.ikeloacandleco.com.

Those interested in making donations or shopping in person can visit the store Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ike Loa is at 136 N. Maag Ave., Suite B2, Oakdale.