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"If we removed Great Harvest Bread Co. from the community, would we have left it better than when we came here?" asked Justin Walthall, owner of Great Harvest Bread Co. in Kahala. Aside from providing high quality, health-based products, Justin and his team strive to fulfill a charitable cause targeting a broad aspect of the community.
"We believe our products are of the highest quality and we make everything from scratch daily, but our "neighborhood bakery" does not just end there," he said. "I feel it is also part of job to make the community we live and work better - from helping churches, to kids' sports, to non-profit organizations, and anything else we can do for the community."
Last month, Justin and his team joined the Waikiki Health Clinic by conducting a slicing event with their breads and pastries and educating low-income families about the benefits of eating whole grain products. Great Harvest Bread Co. of Kahala donates products to non-profit organizations to feed volunteers, raise money through silent auctions, or simply help the needy on a weekly basis.
One of the biggest events they have initiated in the past was called "Baker for a Day" where they nominated five non-profits in the community and had their customers vote on who they would like to win.
"When the winning organization was determined, we brought their volunteers in to train for a day in our bakery, from registers to baking bread," Justin said.
At the end of the day Great Harvest Bread Co. donated 100 percent of the proceeds, and helped raise more than $4,000.
Justin firmly believes that their company is an integral part of the community and every business owner should have a sense of social entrepreneurship.
"Being a business owner who also lives in the same community, it's even more important to give back as much as I can," Justin said. "There have been people and places in my community that have helped me along the way, and if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be where I am today."
"It's our responsibility as business owners to help tackle the issues going on in our community and help make it a better place," he added.
Justin has been with Great Harvest Bread Co. for more than three years. In July 2006, decided to buy the Kahala branch from his cousin, Adam Wong. Adam introduced the Montana-based bread company to the Hawaiian palette.
Great Harvest Bread Co. of Kahala will join the Women's Fund of Hawaii Golf Tournament in August 20 by donating door prizes. The event will be held at the Mid Pacific Country Club.
For more information, please visit www.greatharvesthawaii.com or visit the Kahala branch at 4400 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu.
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