Heartfelt thanks from Japanese community

“Although we are both Japanese in blood, we have never experienced the shuddering effects of an earthquake…When we think about the despaired people who have lost their family or friends, our hearts start to disintegrate bit by bit, ” said Year 12 students Shinichi Mizuno, West Island School and Yuya Tanaka, South Island School at ESF Language Celebration Day.  They thanked the ESF community for their overwhelming support in raising funds, and for their blessings and encouragement.

 

Up till now at least HK$500,000 have been raised by ESF schools.  To name a few, Clearwater Bay School has raised HK$152,000 just on 18 March with a Red and White day.  Students brought donations to school and sold items in an effort to raise funds.  South Island School raised HK$120,000 through dance performances, charity weeks and the non-uniform day.  A student published the new magazine “50NFR” which he sold and donated all the profits.

 

Bradbury School has invited some of the greatest rugby players in the world from Asian Pacific Barbarian Squad to sign a number of items for auction.  Moreover, the entire school participated in the Fundraising Walk wearing red and white.  At Quarry Bay School, Japanese parents organised a bake sale and all students were dressed in a special colour of their choice.  At Island School, Japanese parents and students sold self-made Japanese lunches.  Students are writing letters of support which will be sent to the victims.

 

Kennedy School parent Tomoko Hoy said, “The level of support and involvement from ESF community have been a great comfort to us and the sense of community gives us huge hope for our country to rebuild.  It has also been a valuable opportunity for our children to re-learn about their home country and to witness the collaboration in the community.  On behalf of all members in our Japanese community in ESF, I would like to express our gratitude to all of you who have supported us and supported the people of Japan in the midst of their suffering.  We hope that the joint efforts will not only raise funds but also awareness, understanding and empathy for the victims of these disasters.”