Students Raise Money for Japan Relief

With over 25,000 missing or dead and the Japanese government struggling to build or find temporary housing for 125,000 evacuees, the people of Japan are still dealing with the devastating effects of the earthquake, tsunami, and near nuclear meltdown. Some falsely accuse us of complacency, however Trinity students have not just been watching the news, but also have played a part in relieving the burden in Japan. 

The fundraising events started with Professor Bayliss' lecture on April 1, where he provided details of the damage and encouraged students to not forget about their struggles long after we have contributed in our way. He spoke from his heart about his friends in Sendai, and asked the audience to write letters to Japanese college students who have lost their homes and worse. 

Following the talk, the Asian American Student Association co-hosted an event with the Southeast Asia Activists at the Asian Bazaar, where delicious food was served and the Japan Relief Efforts and the building of a new clinic in Burma split the proceeds.

Enthusiastic students tabled in Mather for the Japanese Relief efforts. The entire Japanese studies program volunteered their time to raise money for Japan. They sold Japanese candy and chocolate and strawberry covered pretzels, attracting both long time Pocky fanatics and curious members of the Trinity community. 

The tabling students are part of the newly found Japanese calligraphy (Shodo) club. In the Cave on Monday, April 4, they held calligraphy demonstrations to give passersby a chance to write their own calligraphy. The Anime Club threw their own support by showing the Miyazaki directed film "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Pokemon the First Movie", a blast from the past for many students.

On April 12, students camped outside of McCook Auditorium during a monthly meeting held there, soliciting donations from the faculty. They were very generous and receptive, donating over $300 in 45 minutes. Between tabling in Mather, calligraphy, faculty contributions, and donations that came from SGA's Multicultural Affairs Council and the Individualized Degree Program (IDP), the students from the Japanese "department" raised a total of $1,089 in a week and a half. All of the money has already been sent to the Japan Red Cross, along with $9,000 of proceeds from the EAC's Spring Weekend Concert.