‘Sleeping Beauty’ Fundraiser Success!

posted in: Fundraising, News

One of the sources of Aid For Japan’s funding is from volunteers devoting their time to raise money for the charity through a variety of activities.

When Emile Goldberg was told by his daughter that her ballet school wanted to recruit him to play the part of the King in a production of Sleeping Beauty, he saw an opportunity for fundraising for Aid For Japan.

The Singapore-based Cheng Ballet Academy staged the performance of Sleeping Beauty – and Emile created a JustGiving page to coordinate the fundraising. As a result, the initiative managed to raise £2,466 for Aid For Japan.

Aid For Japan extends its warmest thanks to Emile Goldberg and also to the staff and performers at the Cheng Ballet Academy.

Thai Cooking Course Donation

posted in: Fundraising, News

London’s 101 Thai Kitchen recently arranged a special cooking course with proceeds going to support Aid For Japan.

The classes had been organised for people keen to learn the art of preparing Thai dishes in the style of Isaan cuisine. Isaan cuisine is much loved all over Thailand but Isaan cooking is quite different from that of any part of Thailand. The food tends to be more spicy using lots of fresh and dried chilies.

Eating in Isaan, or even in Thailand, is a very social event. Families and friends will sit on the floors and many dishes will be shared by all diners. Sticky rice is the main staple food of the Isaan, Northern and the Lao people and it is eaten throughout the day, even for breakfast!

The 101 Thai Kitchen raised £90 through this effort for Aid For Japan – funds that go to supporting the charity’s efforts in helping the orphans of the 2011 earthquake/tsunami.

Aid For Japan extends its warmest thanks to the 101 Thai Kitchen. Read more about the tasty dishes they pepare on their website: http://www.101thaikitchen.com

Ohanami 2017 – Cherry Blossom Viewing

posted in: News
On a recent visit to the Fukushima region of Japan, Aid For Japan founder Akemi Solloway caught up with developments.

On the 1st April we gathered at Fukushima railway station and took the bus to Hanamiyama Park for cherry blossom viewing (hanami). Joining us for this visit were Maria (a 15-year-old survivor of the tsunami, who lost both parents, her sister, grandparents, pet cat and her house), Sumika Hayakawa (the director of Aid For Japan in Japan), charity supporters Yuriko and Richard, Mr Ara (who has looked after his sister’s orphaned child since she lost her parents to the tsunami. The girl was six when the tsunami struck.) and Mr Takahashi (founder of NPO Hanamiyama wo Mamoru kai).

Unfortunately, it was a rather chilly and cloudy day, and the cherry blossom was not fully out yet. However, all was not lost as plenty of plum trees were still blossoming, and our knowledgeable hosts were also able to explain a number of the other beautiful spring flowers that were braving the cold.

After a pleasant walk through the trees we retreated into the visitor centre for refreshing cups of tea and delicious Japanese sweets.

Leaving the hills behind, several of us accompanied Maria to Sendai, the regional capital – only a short journey by high speed Shinkansen train. Our first stop was a Karaoke venue, Maria’s favourite way to relax. The younger members of the party, Maria and Sumika were both in good voice singing the latest anime theme songs.

For dinner, we were invited by Emiko Iwasaki for a lovely kaiseki meal. Akemi is a member of Zonta club in London, and Emiko is the representative of Sendai Zonta club.

Meal complete, we were to visit Maria’s new apartment, a welcome change from the often-fraught environment of the orphanage she has lived in since 2011. However, Maria explained that she hadn’t had chance to tidy up properly after moving in a few days ago, so at this point the party went its separate ways.

Aid For Japan’s mission is dedicated to supporting the orphans of the 2011 tsunami. This includes arranging for some of the orphans to visit the UK, but also on occasion to see how they are coping at home. Your donations help to make this happen.


Support for Aid For Japan from Geek Girl Brunch

posted in: Events, Fundraising, News

Enjoy Japanese cuisine, celebrate anime, manga and Studio Ghibli at this special event on the 21st May 2017 organised by Geek Girl Brunch. Proceeds from this event will go to Aid For Japan.

This event is being organised by the Leeds chapter of the Geek Girl Brunch – a meetup group of ladies who geek out together.

Learn more on the Aid For Japan events page: https://www.aidforjapan.co.uk/event/animay/

Geek Girl Brunch Leeds have a Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/geekgirlbrunchleeds/

Learn more about Geek Girl Brunch here: http://geekgirlbrunch.com/

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