Dear Friends,
On behalf of Room to Read's Board of Directors, and our worldwide staff and volunteers, we want to express our deepest, heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The images of sorrow and destruction, coupled with the ongoing problems at multiple nuclear power plants, are both tragic and frightening. During these difficult times, please know that everyone at Room to Read is standing firmly behind the Japanese people who will undoubtedly rebuild their country with courage and determination.
To support the humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts, Room to Read will be making a donation from unrestricted funds to the Japanese Red Cross Society, which is now providing medical assistance at temporary centers housed in schools and public buildings.
Room to Read was very involved in rebuilding the educational infrastructure in Sri Lanka following their tragedy in late 2004, and what most inspired us were the many families and communities who found ways to be resilient, and to eventually rebuild. Having traveled to Japan on many occasions, we both know that this same spirit and determination are key reasons why Japan is a great nation, and one of the world’s leading economies. We are confident that the country will, after a period of mourning, come together to aid and rebuild the communities that have been hit by this terrible tragedy.
As we gather this week for our annual Chapter Leadership Conference in San Francisco, we will bow our heads for a moment of silence to honor the victims and their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With warmest regards,
John Wood and Erin Ganju
This message is also available in Japanese.
Japan is like my second home. I like Japanese people sense of nationalism, warmness, and kindness. It is so devastating to hear such story happened to them. Ganbaro Nippon. You are always a strong nation in my heart, so you will recover from this very soon. Great that RTR could make some donation to them.
Posted by: Pharath Jk | Apr 26, 2011 at 06:13 PM