WFWP CHAPTERS BRING SUCCESS TO JAPANESE AID RELIEF INITIATIVE
Frontpage article in the Bowie Blade Newspaper on WFWP efforts to provide relief funds to Japan
Due to the escalating tragedy in Japan, the Women's Federation for World Peace USA cancelled its Human Rights Rally in D.C. and immediately shifted their focus to sending relief efforts to the quake victims in Japan. On March 17th, The Bowie Blade Newspaper ran an article on their front page mentioning the emerging ongoing project of The WFWP Relief Fund for Japan.
"Our heart goes out to the tens of thousands of victims of the earthquake and to the people of Japan," WFWP President Angelika Selle told the Bowie Blade, "Although the problem of religious kidnapping and of women forcibly confined are still issues that cry out to be addressed, the WFWP USA is shifting its focus to establish a relief fund for the quake victims and to investigate other possibilities by which WFWP might aid our Japanese sisters and brothers at this time."
WFWP chapters across the nation gave immediate response to the Japan Relief Fund and have created events that have raised an estimated total of $6,000 so far. These events and relief efforts continue to sprout in WFWP Chapters across the country and WFWP hopes that, "When the time comes, WFWP will send a team of women to Japan to help," said Selle.
Here's a list of the fundraising events that happened so far:
South Florida—WFWP District Chairwomen Barbara Masuyama and Susan Edwards hosted a potluck lunch and auction for over 80 local community members and raised a total of $1,620.00 for WFWP Japan Relief. Each raffle ticket was sold for $1, though to eat and socialize with others was free of charge. Several people donated their farm grown veggies and others gave beautiful dishes, bath sets and other prizes to be raffled off.
Excitement grew as friends watched their neighbors win treats and toys, one family even donated $500.00.
"It was really great how we were able to bring the community together as a family to raise money for this cause. I would like to see people reaching out more in their communities to raise money for Japan," said Mrs. Edwards.
The Florida chapter is planning another fundraiser for Japan May 7th themed: Gardening in Coral Springs, South Florida. They're visiting Jackie Ida's Community Garden where they are growing beautiful vegetables, flowers, herbs, and fruits. The event mainly focuses on how to relax and get over stress by keeping in touch with Mother Earth and connecting with God's creation. They will also share about how to culminate the best produce and how to make a successful harvest this season. More information on this event will be posted soon.
WFWP Members in Colorado
Colorado — On March 19th, what started into a small group meeting of 11 members with coffee, tea, dessert and finger food, turned into a prayer gathering for victims of Japan. Guests made prayer bracelets together and included red beads to symbolize a person in Japan they wanted to pray for daily. The Colorado chapter hopes to have similar events every month. Stay posted for more updates.
Richmond, VA. — On the April 2nd close to 40 members gathered for a special luncheon to introduce the vision and mission of the WFWP for a launch the new WFWP Richmond chapter, and by the end of the afternoon, collected $250 for WFWP's Japan disaster relief fund.
The program's lecture focused on the importance of women's leadership in the 21st century as a way of honoring the feminine aspect of God. The event was hosted by International Family Church (also known as the International Family Center, or IFC), at Westover Baptist library.
Flyer for the Boston Japan Relief Event
Massachusetts — WFWP Members have been collecting donations on the street in buckets while handing out Japanese flags and so far, raised $2,000 through donations. But On April 16th, they hosted a finale fundraiser event titled "Japanese Culture and Relief," where people could experience authentic Japanese culture.
Japanese community members gave sushi demonstrations, taught origami, and raffled Japanese dolls and paintings during Japanese harp and flute performances. People were even encouraged to dress in Japanese attire to get their pictures taken.
"It's been a really good experience putting this event together to get people excited to learn about Japanese culture. We think people felt that they've been given something, so they felt encouraged to give a little back," said Chairwoman Brewster. According to Brewster, the event raised $1,774, making a total of $3,774 for Japan Relief Funds.
