In light of the recent earthquake in Japan and tsunami disaster, the staff of Topham Elementary School has been fundraising to send as much money as possible to help support relief efforts in Japan. To date, the school has raised over $1,200.
Many staff members at the school have either worked and/or lived in Japan. As Topham runs a well-known Japanese program throughout Grades K – 7, it seemed natural for the school staff to incorporate the unfortunate disaster in Japan into a school-based humanitarian effort. The staff have gone the extra mile to organize a fundraiser on Thursday evening, May 5. This coincides with Children’s Day in Japan.
The Ganbare Japan fundraiser at Topham Elementary School runs from 5 to 7 p.m. The goal is to raise $5,000 to send to the mayor to assist in the recovery and rebuilding of the town of Rijuzentakata-shi.
There will be Japanese-style hot dogs, Ramune (a unique Japanese soft drink) and other Japanese drinks and snacks. There will be giant Sumo suits, Origami crane making and karaoke.
Items for sale include Ganbare Japan T-shirts, freshly-made mochi and Origami crane earrings made by Walnut Grove Secondary students.
There will be presentations from the Grade 7 Topham Tora Taiko Club, Division 7 Zenidaiko team, a traditional Mochi Tsuki demonstration and Karate BC demonstration.
It takes place at Topham Elementary, 21555 91 Ave.