Category Archives: JETAA

Former Miyagi Residents Raise Funds Through Hong Kong Event

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Hong Kong – 25th April, 2011
Two former residents of Miyagi Prefecture have pooled the creative expertise of five photographers in a silent photographic auction in Hong Kong to raise money for the March 11 earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.

The event entitled “Kampai for Sendai” was held on Saturday, April 16 at Shore Restaurant and Bar and was attended by approximately 180 people. The silent auction of distinctly Japanese photographs including 13 original mounts and three canvassed photographs, was the main focus of the evening. Additional funds were raised through the live auction of Simone Legno autographed Tokidoki merchandise and the sale of raffle tickets.

The total amount raised from the event was HK$30697 (US$3950). 100% of these funds were be donated to Peace Winds Japan andShine Humanity, two non-government organisations that have been highly visible in Miyagi Prefecture and are committed to using all designated funds for the Japan relief effort.

The event organizers, Monique Moloney and Matt Jones, both Australian nationals living in Hong Kong, were Assistant Language Teachers on the JET Programme in Miyagi Prefecture between 2003-2006. Having maintained strong connections with their former home, they were deeply affected by the devastation and suffering in communities where they’d often visited and fondly remembered. Their reaction was to organise an event that could raise awareness and funds in a meaningful way.

Through online groups, Monique found photographers who were willing to contribute their work to the cause. She also connected with other former JET participants who were living in Hong Kong. These people helped promote the event and attended to show their support.

“We may have moved on but we haven’t forgotten our friends in Miyagi Prefecture. It was our turn to give back for the kindness and good will we were shown during our time there.”

For more information, please contact Monique Moloney at mnqmlny@gmail.com or phone +852 90300243


What is JET Endurance…

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JET Endurance

JET Endurance is new charity set up by former JETs in the UK who feel passionately about Japan and want to do all they can to give something back to the country that they once called home.

The one thing that seemed obvious in the aftermath of the heartbreaking events of 11th March is that the JET Programme and its alumni form a huge resource of skilled individuals with a shared love of Japan.

Following their time on the programme some JETs stay in Japan whilst others return to our ‘home’ countries; some continue in a Japan-related career whilst others learn new skills and pursue completely unrelated careers. But each and every one of us has gained something unique from our time as a JET and each and every one of us can give something back to this truly amazing country.

Why ‘JET Endurance’?

It symbolises the spirit of ‘gambarimasu’, it reflects the enduring relationship between JETs and, last but not least, there are some pretty cool ‘endurance’ challenges we can do to fundraise. For example a few of us hope to take part in the Tokyo Marathon 2012- watch this space!

But it’s not all about endurance challenges; it’s about a long term commitment to Japan and helping Tohoku get back on its feet. This includes:

  • A pledge scheme for former JETs to make a monthly contribution (little and often is often what’s needed!),
  • A range of fundraising and awareness raising events,
  • A network of ex-JET volunteers – former JETs can be found in a range of professions and have a wealth of skills and experience which may come in handy (or they may just want to lend a hand)

So, support ‘JET Endurance’ – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

We are soon to launch our website so watch this space but in the meantime you can follow us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jetendurance or twitter: @JETendurance

What better way to say thank you to Japan for everything it has given us than through the enduring support of the world-wide community of former-JETs.

JETAANC Japan Relief Benefit a Success

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JETAANC Japan Relief BenefitThanks to the efforts of many volunteers and the support of the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco and numerous community partners, JETAANC’s Japan Relief Benefit was a great success, raising over $7,000 for relief and recovery efforts in Japan. In addition, JETAANC received a donation of over $1,800 from the PiQ Japan Relief Benefit event held in Berkeley on March 21. A special thank you to alumna Caroline Bahr, Iwate-ken, for organizing the PiQ event.

Read more at jetaanc.org.

VIA: JETAANC