When the world learned about the tsunami and earthquake in Japan, PTPI World Headquarters immediately began hearing from our members. The concern, compassion and selfless generosity shown by our PTPI family all around globe should give us hope – it is a true display of international understanding and friendship.
On April 6, 2011 we sent a contribution of $8,000 to Save the Children, in support of their efforts in Japan. On June 3, we sent an additional $18,000.
You can join our PTPI family in demonstrating our support. Donate to the International Friendship Fund and note that the contribution is for Japan. Donations will be sent to Save the Children on behalf of all members of PTPI.
Read about how our members mobilized to help:
PTPI’s Oklahoma Christian University Chapter helped plan and execute a benefit concert featuring 10 bands that played for three hours, raising more than $3,000.
Eight students from a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania People to People Student Ambassador Delegation to Australia decorated cans to collect money from friends family and neighbors. One student even made a video, which helped her collect $160 and bring the total donation amount to $469.
PTPI’s Delray Beach, Florida Student Chapter held a silent auction at their local library to raise funds. Guests at the auction heard from speaker Jackie Lowell, who shared her experiences from a previous trip to Japan, and dined on sushi and other Japanese dishes
PTPI’s Norfolk, Virginia (Hampton Roads) Student Chapter collected donations and sold items at a local flea market (pledging to donate 10% of the proceeds).
Karen Kutlick, a People to People Delegation Leader, and more than 330 students at the Manito School participated in the “Jogging for Japan” event. Students collected pledges from family and friends, and the amount pledged was multiplied by the number of laps students walked or jogged around the school athletic field during one forty-minute class period. In total, the school raised $8,274.50.
PTPI’s Tainan, Taiwan Chapter members each made personal contributions at their chapter meeting and sent a generous contribution, emphasizing their dedication to promoting “Peace through Understanding.”
PTPI’s Burgas, Bulgaria (The Vectors) Student Chapter created a presentation and used it to educate two schools about the events taking place in Japan. They collected donations and gave hand-made origami to those who contributed.
PTPI’s Troy, Michigan Student Chapter is working with a local wristband manufacturer to create glow-in-the-dark wristbands that read “Light up Japan.” They will sell the wristbands and donate the proceeds to the Japan relief effort.
Other chapters that contributed include PTPI’s Scottsdale, Arizona Chapter and Oskaloosa, Iowa (Oskiowa) Chapter, and the Edison, New Jersey (HOWE), Wayne, New Jersey, Secaucus, New Jersey and Plovdiv, Blugaria Student Chapters are planning fundraisers. In addition, countless members sent donations on their own.
Please let us know if we failed to highlight your efforts. Thank you all, and we are proud to be members of PTPI together.
