The Hope Fundraiser in Images

Two weeks after the devastating news from Japan, the people of JETAA and CJSO, with the help of friends, organized an event that raised over $30 000.  With the tickets alone (at only $40) they raised $10 000.  With their combined efforts word spread quickly, offers were generous, the turnout incredible and the evening a modest, refined and elegant way to bring people together in grief and hope.  

The performances were moving and powerful, the speakers even more so.  Current JET participant Gemma Villanueva spoke of her experience there during the events and Ambassador Ishikawa spoke of our need to remember the impact this will have, especially on the children, not just 6 months from now, but years from now.  He brought with him an image and haunting story of children in a school that sat above the affected area but provided a view of the tsunami's impact surrounding them, where their mothers and fathers may be lost forever.

Among the guests were City Council members, His Worship Mayor Jim Watson, several MPs and MPPS, members of Order of Canada, and many members of the Japanese Community in Ottawa.  Throughout the evening what stood out were the remarks that such an event was pulled together so quickly and came together so well.  One thing I noticed especially was the graciousness from Ambassador Ishikawa. He was usually seen conveying his heartfelt thanks and gratitude to those who helped make the event happen and to those who came in hope of helping any way they could.

Donations are still being accepted and can be made here http://www.redcross.ca/jetaaottawa/

Auction items and Ikebana being arranged by Yumiko Tsunakawa Toma

L-R:  Ikebana, JETAA Ottawa President Lisa Mallin with author Jack Nakamoto,
Handmade Tamari donated to Auction, His Worship Mayor Jim Watson 

L-R: H.E. Mr Kaoru Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to Canada speaking with MP Paul Dewar,
Order of Canada member Don Newman, CTV's Stefan Keyes as Master of Ceremonies

L-R: Current JET Participant Gemma Villanueva, Soprano Noriko Hashimoto
H.E. Mr Kaoru Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to Canada

Please Give if you can.

Natalie