I am officially finishing our Crane For A Dollar activity.

Since the earthquake, we have witnessed tremendous care and support from all over the world for Japan. The tragedy has triggered people to come together globally for the sole purpose of helping. It is great to see that even a tragedy like this can create a positive outcome.

My wish through “Crane For A Dollar” was to make the most out of this tragedy besides just raising funds for Japan. I had hoped to create a strong sense of community among children so that when tragedies like this happen again, they are prepared to reach out their hands to help others, like the world is helping Japan today.

I had a pleasure working with over 100 students in 5 different schools, local businesses, Japanese community and friends. This effort was meant to support Japan’s recovery, yet it turned out to be my healing process as well. I was shocked and saddened by the event, but was inspired and healed by the everyone’s passion to help out the victims of the Earthquake.

With the collaborative effort, we were able to raise $2966.82 and donated to Canadian Red Cross, Japan Earthquake/Asia Pacific Tsunami Fund.

 

Followings are the part of testimony and photos of students. I believe that the fundraiser had left some positive influence to students, and were able to achieve some goals of giving something back to the community.

Testimony

Claire

My favorite part was just realizing that even though we’re on opposite side of earth, that doesn’t’ mean that there needs to be a barrier between us and the residents of Japan, and I hope that they will realize we’re not oblivious to their tragedy and we do want to help. Something I learned is that everyone in the world has the ability to help others, no matter what race or nationality.

Olivia

The crane project we have been doing these last few months has really changed me. I have started to think about more other people in other countries and people with completely different life. When I think back to my home and think about my life, I have a sturdy home, a warm meal and a clean, soft bed. I used to take these things for granted. Not after I started to work on the cranes. Thank you for opening my eyes to the world.

Steven

The activity our class has started and we will keep going is a very challenging but generous deed we will be doing to help Japan. It’s hard to believe that every time we fold a crane, we are one closer from folding 1000. When I first learned that Japan had been affected by the earthquake, I was on the verge of tears, because I care and think about the Japanese, and to learn that an earthquake and tsunami was affected them, I was heartbroken.

Siri

I think this activity has been a great experience. I think my whole class has loved it. It was great to know that we can help the people of Japan. It was moving when we were learning what has happened to them and the life that have been lost. I just wish by doing this activity, the people of Japan will realize how much we care about them in Canada. Every crane we make is one more step towards helping Japan. Each crane is helping. Each crane we make we think about why and it’s for the people in Japan. I’m glad we can help.

Name Unknown

It’s difficult: just learning how to make them was hard but I learned and now my class is making a thousand. What I’m trying to say is really anything is possible. Anything can happen to anyone in a matter of time; a short or long period of time. We really have to appreciate what we have because what happened to Japan can happen to anyone, at anytime. I think the love and sympathy we show to them will definitely help them through a time like this! Yeah, we aren’t giving them a new start of an amazing life but we are showing unconditional love: that’s the best gift we could ever give.

 

Photos of activity

 

Thank you very much for your support.

I wish the true recovery of victims in Japan.

 

Sota Yuyama