In June Soroptimist International Past President Hanne Jensbo received a thank you letter from SI Japan, following the support of Soroptimist worldwide after the earthquake of April 2011. Hanne shares the letter here, along with a thank you video produced by SI Japan.

Dear
Hanne,

We, the
board members of Japan Kita Region, had visited our region clubs were located in
Tohoku affected area from March 6
to 9, 2012. We had heard and known a lot about their recent status
at the affected area and it seemed to take a lot of work and time to restore the
area and their lives. Also, we had met some scholarship students who had
bereaved parent by disaster and have supported by our Japan 5 regions’
project, "Soroptimist KIZUNA Project: Heart to Heart".

The 63 students
have been awarded scholarships to study at the high school and they have been diligent
in their studies from April 2012. We will watch and support them over the next 3
years until they graduate from high school. We will commit to keep club
membership and continue the Soroptimist clubs in the disaster affected area,
and would like to cheer on them to restore their activities like before. After 1
year had passed from Japan disaster,
we would like to express our deepest appreciation to all Soroptimist members for
supporting us.

We had
organized some events and heard from affected members who have gone on to live in
a positive way, shown in the original DVD "Thank
you message – the Japan Kita Region Report
of the Great East Japan Earthquake".

 

The
disaster occur almost only once in a thousand years has brought many people living
there various difficulties. We would like to share their pain and move toward
restoration together. We are looking forward to Soroptimist member’s continued
support. We will never forget your friendship and our gratitude.

Thank you
very much!

Sincerely,

Eriko Shinojima

2010-2012
Governor

Japan Kita Region

Soroptimist International of the Americas