It takes the Japanese to organise an event with such efficiency and ease in such a short time, as they did last weekend. I am referring to the Japan Tsunami Appeal ‘Stay Strong Japan’ in St Albans. In just a few hours, they managed to raise £14,475.00 with more donations still coming in. They prepared this event in just 5 days!
Marie Otchi, a member of the Japanese Club, said, ‘Such an amount could only be raised through true community action. Everyone came together, the people in the street, local schools, businesses, associations and churches.We have been encouraged by many kind words and gestures. It’s amazing how people come together at times of tragedy.’
The spirit of their pulling together with positive attitude for an unthinkably sad event was moving in itself. To watch the Japanese ladies buzz about the Jubilee Hall merrily preparing the goods for sale, to see the older members help the children do oragami, to listen to the great drums, the violinist and taste their homemade sushi all made for a cultural experience in itself.
But sadly, over 4,300 people have died in the disaster and many thousands more are still missing or injured. The costs of rebuiding homes and lives are immense. If you are willing to contribute, please email marieotchi@hotmail.com .
