The community of Ladysmith and surrounding areas are invited to a fundraiser for the people of Japan devastated by this month’s earthquake and tsunami.
“It’s an attempt to respond to a very disastrous situation as a community,” said Ron Dale, one of the organizers.
The fundraiser will feature guest speakers from the Japanese community, music and a dedication.
“Different people coming together, pulling together,” Dale said.
He said the fundraiser will bring at least short-term relief to the people of Japan.
“It’s an opportunity for people to donate,” Dale said. “We want as many people as possible.”
Dale said the community has already come forward to help and he’s anticipating a crowd at the fundraiser.
“I’m so happy there’s an appetite for this in this community.”
Ed Nicholson, another one of the organizers, said there was an immediate reaction from people wanting to help.
“We wanted to do something that had a community touch,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity for us to say ‘We’re a little town like you and we’re thinking about you.’ ”
The fundraiser will be at Ladysmith Secondary School, Sunday, April 3 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The mural town also wants to help the victims of Japan with a concert and dessert night.
The Japanese Relief Fundraiser — held in Chemainus’ Calvary Baptist Church — is an opportunity for residents to give to the quake and tsunami ravaged nation.
“It’s been such a tragedy for the Japanese people,” said one of the organizers, Johannah Knight.
Knight, from Chemainus, has a friend who’s parents live in Japan.
“I was heartsick when I heard about it,” she said. “I wanted to help.”
Music will be performed by Alice Frank-Campbell, a Nanaimo-based folk singer.
She will be selling her CDs, with $5 from each going towards the relief fund.
Local businesses have donated some food and coffee and community members will be selling baked goods as well.
“Our Canadian dollar can stretch a little bit further,” she said. “It’s a way we can support them.”
The fundraiser is Friday, April 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.
For more information go to www.calvarybc.ca.
