As I type this, the people of Lahaina in Maui are trying to recover from devastating fires that swept their homes and community. This tragedy certainly underscored for me, yet again, that Life is fragile and can’t be taken for granted.
You might think that Sterling HSA, as a third-party administrator based in Oakland, California, would not be impacted by this tragedy. Not so. We have valued clients in Hawaii, some of whom live in Lahaina. We grieve with them on the loss of lives, the loss of a way of life before the fire, and the loss of property.
Sterling, like many others, joined hands with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and individuals to pull resources to help the victims. Our corporate and individual donations were directed to helping the citizens of Maui recover and heal.
I thought you might also want to hear this story. One of our colleagues, mindful that fires would have destroyed receipts necessary to document reimbursements for flexible spending accounts and other accounts we administer, sent a note that spoke of compassion and empathy for those who have suffered so much. Melanie set a sterling example of how our organization should respond in times of crisis and loss.
Our prayers and warm wishes go to Maui residents for strength and healing.
