University of Otago Japan Club members (from left) Yoshi
Hori (19), Kohei Sasaki (20) and Chris Kuo ( 20) were
yesterday selling distinctive T-shirts, and collecting
messages to support earthquake survivors in Christchurch
and Japan. Photo by Linda Robertson.
University of Otago Japan Club members are working hard
to raise funds in support of two Red Cross appeals in the
aftermath of recent earthquakes in Christchurch and Japan.
Three club members, Yoshi Hori, Kohei Sasaki and Chris Kuo,
helped operate a desk at the University Union building
yesterday, selling T-shirts, and collecting donations.
Half the funds raised will be given to the Red Cross
Christchurch appeal and half will go to the Japanese Red
Cross, to help survivors after the recent earthquake and
tsunami in Japan.
Mr Kuo said the shared experiences of earthquakes and shared
efforts to help in both countries were helping improve mutual
understanding between the two nations.
Japan Club president Yoshitaka Yamaji said the club had about
70 members.
He was pleased with the positive response on campus to the
club's efforts, including gathering short messages from
concerned people to be sent to earthquake survivors.
About 200 messages had already been received and would be
sent electronically, Mr Yamaji said.
The club, and many other Otago University Students
Association international student clubs, will take part in a
"bake sale" and mini cultural festival outside the University
Union building between noon and 3.30pm today.
Funds raised from that event will also go to the two
earthquake appeals.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.