Churches and schools continue to give to disaster-struck Japan in its time of need.
Contributed By Reuel Eugene Tay
The Strikeforce strikes a chord with shoppers.
The latest in the Japan crisis sparked off by the March 11 earthquake is that the nuclear situation at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant is likely to clear in nine months. To date, 14,000 people have died from the disaster, with another 14,000 missing, reports BBC News.
Meantime, Singapore, along with the world, has not forsaken Japan as organizations and individuals continue to render their support.
In commemoration of International Friendship Day, the Parents Support Group of Catholic High School put up an exhibition and international food fair within the school premises on April 15. All proceeds from the food fair were donated to the Singapore Red Cross Society’s Japan Relief Fund. Students enjoyed delicious international and local delights, their patronage of the 10 food stalls raising funds for the victims. Parents sponsored the food items, manned the booths and gave their children extra pocket money to spend at the extended hour-long recess break. Many students voluntarily donated their pocket money too.
The Japanese community in City Harvest Church also came together to stand for their home country during this crucial period, and raised an initial sum of S$2,898 in donations. Partnering with Yoji Nakamura, pastor of Kumamoto Harvest Church and more than 20 churches all over Japan, the money raised was sent to these churches and used to purchase much-needed bicycles, washing machines, air pumps, detergent, food, water, and gasoline for the victims in the affected Miyagi Prefecture. On April 10, 13 members from the various churches in Japan including Nakamura traveled to the deprived prefecture and distributed the necessities to the people.
Robyn Wong (left) raises funds during her birthday celebrations. CN PHOTOS: Daniel Poh & Jere Chong
CHC member and former Singapore Idol contestant Robyn Wong Jie Yun celebrated her 24th birthday in a special way: she held a mini solo concert at the Colours Café at Singapore Management University on April 16 to raise funds in lieu of birthday gifts. Wong sang a set of popular tunes, including Bruno Mars’ “Just The Way You Are” and Carrie Underwood’s “Temporary Home” to a crowd of 60 people consisting of family and friends. A total of S$1,845 was raised, 75 percent of which was donated to Singapore Red Cross Society Japan Disaster relief fund while the rest went to the Singapore Baptist Convention Golden Age Home.
The Strikeforce, CHC’s percussion ministry, performed twice at the You Are Not Alone (Anatawa Hitorijanai) Concert at Far East Plaza Atrium, along with other local celebrities. The high-energy 13-man percussion troupe gave a rhythmic and energetic performance which drew attention of shoppers on all levels of the mall. The audience was encouraged to donate to the Singapore Red Cross Society’s Japan Disaster relief fund by cash or cheque and write their well wishes onto origami cranes to encourage the victims. The concert, supported by the Ministry of Community, Youth and Sports, proved a great success as members of the audience streamed forward to make their donations.
