Donors give $6000 to Japan

A fundraiser for Japan at the Saturday Market raised more than $6000, far exceeding the expectations of the Nelson Japanese Society members who ran it.

Association president Yuki Uda said the group hoped to raise $1000-$2000. Instead they got $6311.70, plus $30 in Australian currency, $20 in US money, and 6000 yen.

They were very thankful for the generosity shown, he said.

The donations included 145 $20 notes and 107 $10 notes, plus several $50 notes, but Mr Uda was most touched by an elderly woman in a wheelchair who “took out her purse and gave us all the money in it $200″.

About 80 Nelson Japanese supported the stall in a corner of the market, giving out origami cranes as a thank-you for donations.

Mr Uda said the safety of their family, friends and their distant nation was continually in their thoughts.
“It’s very difficult. And now everyone is concerned about the nuclear plant.”

Many people were leaving Japan, he said. But many Japanese were positive and were staying put in their homeland.

“I have family in Tokyo. I offered for them to come here. They are staying. Most Japanese do not think they can move from Japan.”

Saturday’s collection will be repeated next Saturday and other events are being planned, including a possible auction or garage sale, said Mr Uda. Money raised would be channelled through New Zealand Red Cross to help with relief efforts in Japan.

Mr Uda said the association was also concerned about the situation in Christchurch. Members were also supporting Japanese students studying English in Nelson.

The association has about 100 members and Mr Uda said those who couldn’t attend the Saturday fundraiser had made origami cranes at home to show their support.

Source: The Nelson Mail