Geraldton woman living in Hawaii helps provides aid with private jet company Roam Maui and Humane Society

A Geraldton-born-and-bred woman is helping people and pets overcome the deadly Maui wildfires sparked by winds from a faraway hurricane, dropping supplies and helping families return to the US. More than 100 people have died in the wildfire that has caused massive destruction in the resort city Lahaina, with hundreds of structures damaged in the blaze. It’s the deadliest wildfire in US in more than a century. Lisa Vogt, 51, moved to Hawaii with her husband about two years ago. She’s worked in the board of directors at the Pacific Whale Foundation, volunteers at Maui Humane Society and is the executive vice-president of revenue for Roam Maui, a private air shuttle. Ms Vogt, who was born and raised in Geraldton, said she was helping people and pets who have been displaced return to the US when commercial airlines were unable to accommodate them. “I’ve worked with Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation to help a displaced family of three and their English bulldog and Great Dane who lost their house and everything they own in the fires to get back to the mainland,” Ms Vogt told the Geraldton Guardian. “My husband and I have also taken in two separate families into our home who needed a place to stay when they were evacuated from their homes as the fires were approaching and they’re still without power and phone.” The airline brought in a full 737 cargo load full with medical supplies which Ms Vogt is distributing to the Maui Food Bank and Maui Humane Society to help injured pets. Ms Vogt described the crisis as a “terrible tragedy” and said lives, generational homes and businesses have been destroyed. “There is an enormous trauma that is being felt across the whole island, the shelters are full and we’re banding together to help those in need,” the former Geraldton Senior High School student said. “It’s people-helping-people and everyone on the island is helping in some way. The Aloha spirit is bringing people together to overcome this crisis.” Ms Vogt was quoted by the international Guardian website that the community response had been overwhelming, involving 16-hour days to distribute supplies at a time when communication and power services were limited. “Everybody is jumping in to do whatever it takes,” she said. “That’s the beauty of Maui.” Ms Vogt’s Geraldton-based mother Marea Cocking said her daughter was working “round-the-clock” helping people and animals stranded on the island. “They take people away from Maui that have lost their homes, and dogs that are homeless, and for the flight back to Maui, they loaded up with medical supplies and food and water and drink and equipment which goes back to Maui,” she said. “We are so proud of Lisa, it brings tears to your eyes, because she didn’t just sit back. She took people into her house that had lost everything and is out there helping around the clock.”