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News Story: Sunshine Coast Fundraiser for Japan
With images of the destruction left by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami seared in our hearts and minds, a small group of Sunshine Coast residents decided to raise money for devastated Japan, and the Sunshine Coast Japan Disaster Relief Fund was born.
Sechelt resident, Kiyo Greer, had the original idea to raise money for Japan. “I had to do something.†She contacted Motoko, a well known artist on the Sunshine Coast, and others with experience in organizing fundraisers. Ed Hill signed on as auctioneer for what’s expected to be an outstanding collection of art donated by some of the Coast’s best known artists including those from the Westwind Gallery in Gibsons.
The silent auction includes exquisite Japanese arts and crafts including an autographed copy of David Suzuki’s latest book. Look forward to traditional Japanese entertainment along with a personalized video message from Joy Kogawa, author of Obo-san,
The evening includes a Japanese inspired dinner with appetizers and sushi prepared by Sushi Bar 5517 in Sechelt, dinner prepared by The Restaurant at the Painted Boat Resort in Pender Harbor, and dessert provided by Sheer Bliss Bakery Cafe in Gibsons.
Those who are unable to attend the fundraiser are invited to donate to the Sunshine Coast Japan Disaster Relief Fund at any branch of the Sunshine Coast Credit Union. Donors may direct their funds to either the Canadain Red Cross (Red Cross Japan, www.redcross.ca) or Rose Charities (AMDA, Japan Tsunami Relief, www.rosecharities.ca). Funds are earmarked for the devasted areas.
One person who understands the true nature of this disaster is Mr. Abe, who owns Gohanya in Wilson Creek. Originally from Fukushima near the damaged nuclear power plant, Mr. Abe lost family members, friends, and his childhood hometown. To Mr. Abe and others of our neighbors who have suffered such terrible loss, the Sunshine Coast Japan Disaster Relief Fund committee extends its heartfelt sympathies.
The cost to rebuild Japan is currently estimated to be $312 billion. It is huge even considering that Japan is the third largest economy in the world. As a comparison, Hurricane Katrina was estimated to cost $200 billion, and New Orleans is still not rebuilt. We don’t yet know the outcome of the Fukushima nuclear power plant, so costs could end up being much higher.
The Japanese are an enterprising, hard working people, and they will rebuild the destroyed areas. Yet help is needed from people around the world as no country recovers from such an immense disaster alone.
Please show you care by donating to the special account at the Sunshine Coast Credit Union or attending the fundraiser Sunday, April 17th at the Sechelt Senior Activity Centre. Doors open at 5:30 pm for viewing auction items, and dinner begins at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at Gaia Fair Trade Gifts in Gibsons, Sunshine Coast Credit Union in Sechelt, Bluewaters Books in Madeira Park, and John Henry’s Marina in Garden Bay.
For further information, please contact Rosemary Bonderud at 604-883-2407
