The land of the rising sun has more than a few friends in Squamish and they came out in full force on Sunday (March 20) for a fundraiser for earthquake- and tsunami-ravaged Japan at Brennan Park Recreation Centre.
The event raised $12,817 for the Canadian Red Cross's Earthquake/Asia Pacific Tsunami Relief fund and organizer Kaoko Mori was overwhelmed by the response the event received.
"It's so wonderful that so many people came out and supported us," she said. "This was way more than I expected and I'm just so happy with the amazing response."
Mori noted that hundreds of people were lined up outside of Brennan Park before noon and those donating had kind words for those affected by the disaster in Japan.
"It was really encouraging to hear why people were donating money," she said. "They offered us good luck and felt genuinely sorry for what had happened in Japan."
Those attending the event were also invited to sample complimentary sushi from Sushi Sen, pizza from Panago and several other baked treats from Tim Hortons, Save On Foods and Naked Lunch. Mori added that the rush of people managed to devour nearly all of the sushi and pizza within the first hour.
Aside from the food, a number of local musicians played and there was a bouncy castle and face painting set up outside. Volunteers also put together an information display with newspaper articles and photos to raise awareness about the extent of the damage done by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
Shukuko Abe, who owns the Naked Lunch, was one of several dedicated volunteers who collected donations and she echoed Mori's statements.
"It's just overwhelming," she said of the support. "Really beyond our expectations and I'm so very grateful."
Abe was directly effected by the disaster, as her parents and nephew both live in the northeast region of Japan. She said that her nephew was actually in Sendai when the earthquake hit.
"My nephew was starting a new job in Sendai and he was without power for a day and a half," she said. "Luckily all my family was unharmed but it was a scary time for me."
Abe said the generous nature of Squamish shone through during the event.
"It's heartwarming for sure," she said. "It was hard for me not to weep. This was really the first day I could talk about the disaster and I'm just so grateful for all the support."
The amount of money raised is especially impressive given that Mori had only received authorization to organize the event from Squamish council and the Canadian Red Cross five days earlier.
Those who may have missed out on the event and still want to help Japan out can do so by attending a fundraiser organized by Quest students on March 28. The event, which will take place at the Quest University cafeteria building, will see a viewing of the 2001 Japanese animated fantasy-adventure movie Taking Away.
Admission to the film is by donation but there will also be popcorn, drinks and snacks available. Proceeds from the food sales, along with all of the donations are going to the Japanese Red Cross.
For more information on the Quest event, visit www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=187249194653864.
