Following is an open letter from the president of the Japan Society of Fairfield County:
I would first like to express my condolences to those who lost very dear loved ones and to all of those affected by the massive and dreadful earthquake and tsunami in Japan. However, we know that it is not time to grieve, but to stand up and help.
The news media are showing the devastation in the city and streets, but they cannot show the people's desire to live, will to help others, and hope for the bright future. We, the Japan Society of Fairfield County and our members, have initiated an earthquake relief fund in cooperation with many organizations, from universities, churches, high schools, middle schools, the symphony orchestra, public library, fire department, and bar association to the many individuals who offered their warmest support.
In the wake of Japan's worst earthquake in its recorded history and its resulting tsunami, the Japan Society of Fairfield County is collecting contributions from the public to provide immediate aid to victims through the Japanese Red Cross Society.
More than 1,600 people have died and tens of thousands are missing so far from the 8.9 magnitude quake and its subsequent 30-foot-high tsunami waves that swept across the islands, carrying houses, factories, trucks and cars and turning them into mountains of muddy debris. Many thousands more have lost their homes and all their possessions. Food, medicine and drinking water are in short supply. With the Japanese economy suffering through hard times, the Japanese Red Cross urgently needs funds to provide immediate care and assistance to victims and their families.
Please mail a check for whatever amount you can give to the Japan Society, and 100 percent of your gift will go to the Japanese Red Cross. Every donation will help the people suffering from this worst natural catastrophe. Your help will be deeply appreciated by those who are in dire need
Checks should be made out to Japan Society of Fairfield County, Inc., marked for "Japan Earthquake Relief Fund," and sent to Harry Sakamaki, 140 Field Point Road, #8, Greenwich, CT 06830. All gifts are tax-deductible, and donors will receive tax-exempt receipts. Japan Society of Fairfield County is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. A nonprofit all-volunteer group, the Society was formed in 1987 to promote mutual knowledge and understanding between the peoples of the U.S. and Japan. Those with questions are invited to call Harry Sakamaki in Greenwich at (203) 557-3185, or Yumi McDonald in Westport at yumimcdonald@aol.com.
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