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.
A fundraiser has been planed for Sunday, April 17 at the Sechelt Seniors Centre starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $100, available 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.
The evening will include a Japanese-inspired multi-course dinner with traditional Japanese entertainment followed by a live and silent auctionwith works by well-known Sunshine Coast artists and more.
Sechelt resident, Kiyo Greer, had the original idea to raise money for Japan. 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.
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.
Those unable to attend the fundraiser, who would like to help in therelief effort, are invited to donate to the Sunshine Coast Japan Disaster Relief Fund through any branch of the Sunshine Coast Credit Union.
You may also direct your donations to the Canadian Red Cross (RedCross Japan) or Rose Charities (AMDA Japan Tsunami Relief). Tax receipts are available. These donations will be used only for the affected areas.
For further information on the fundraiser, contact Rosemary Bonderud at 604-883-2407.
-Submitted
