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This issue marks the launch of our new, monthly newsletter spotlighting Hands On Tokyo activities and introducing the volunteers, partners and sponsors who help shape and support our growing organization. We hope you will enjoy learning more about the people and organizations behind HOT and be even more inspired to join us. |
Volunteer Spotlight: Cora Neilon
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 On almost any Thursday afternoon last year, Cora Neilon could be found at Second Harvest filling boxes of food for needy Tokyo families. Cora was one of Hands On Tokyo's first volunteers and among the most active in 2007. In addition to volunteering at Second Harvest, she dedicated many hours to planning the after-service party on HOT's first Day of Service in September. A native of Orange County, California, she and her husband, Michael, came to Tokyo eight years ago with their two young sons. Like so many HOT volunteers, Cora is not new to volunteering. In the U.S. she assisted organizations serving food to the homeless, and in Japan she has helped with rice distribution projects as well as working as a committee member for the Tokyo American Club and volunteering at her sons' school. Cora says she volunteers with Hands On Tokyo because it helps groups of people better serve the community. "Hands on Tokyo has given me the opportunity to give back and make a difference, and that's a great feeling," says Cora. |
Partner Spotlight: Special Olympics Nippon, Tokyo
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The mission of Special Olympics in Japan and around the world is to provide children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition in Olympic-type sports. Special Olympics Nippon, Tokyo (SON Tokyo) was founded in October 1994 and is now the largest regional chapter of the Japan organization running regular programs in 15 different sports.
HOT's partnership with SON Tokyo began in April 2007, and from the start, both organizations recognized it would be a perfect match. SON Tokyo needed a regular, reliable pool of trained volunteers for its weekend basketball program. HOT needed an "active", weekend project that would appeal to young people and families, and we were well-equipped to provide the training SON Tokyo required. To date, over 100 HOT volunteers have donated weekend afternoons to SON Tokyo's basketball program. The chance to interact one-on-one with the athletes and get a good workout in the process makes the experience a highlight of their week according to many volunteers. SON Tokyo says, "Hands On Tokyo is a help to us because they provide advance orientation for their volunteers. We look forward to continuing to work together."
As a result of the successful partnership for basketball, in March 2008 HOT and SON Tokyo will launch a new project for bowling. To volunteer for either SON Tokyo basketball or bowling, please contact project coordinator, Yuko Takahashi at: info@handsontokyo.org
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| Sponsor Spotlight: Capmark Japan, KK
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 Successfully launching Hands On Tokyo from a concept to a fully-functioning organization required strong leadership, generous financial support, and great teamwork. From the beginning, Capmark Japan and its president and CEO, Dawson Steven Lin, provided all three.
Capmark is a global real estate finance company with over 200 employees in Asia. As a Platinum Sponsor of HOT's first day of service, Capmark Japan donated 1 million yen and sent 25 employees over two weekends to volunteer on the playground rebuilding project at Saiseikai Hospital. That participation opened up other opportunities for Capmark with the global Hands On Network. Capmark Philippines worked closely with Hands On Manila on a Day of Service, and Capmark's foundation is working with Hands On Network on a global Day of Service for Capmark employees. Steve Lin and his wife, Lindy, are both founding members of the HOT board where Steve's management and their fundraising expertise has been invaluable in shaping the structure and direction of our organization.
According to Steve Lin, "HOT provides an invaluable service to the Tokyo community by finding rewarding volunteer opportunities for both the local and foreign community to serve together and to provide resource constrained NPOs with a sustainable volunteer base to facilitate the success of their mission. We support HOT because HOT will accelerate the growth of volunteerism in Japan." Capmark sees itself as "a global citizen committed to lifting the human spirit within the communities in which we live and work". Its motto: "Give a little, Do a lot!" Capmark demonstrates its commitment by supporting programs which help children, families and other individuals gain self-sufficiency.
"Although I was always interested in volunteer activity, I did not know how I should begin to take action. HOT gave me the opportunity to participate in a volunteer activity easily", says Capmark vice president Shinichi Iwamoto. "Moreover, HOT offers an attractive menu of activities. One of the biggest appeals about HOT is that we can choose an activity that suits our interests." |
Volunteer Opportunities
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Upcoming Opportunities:Sakurgawa Senior Home
2/25 from 2:00-3:00
Second Harvest Food Pantry
Thursdays from 1:00-3:00
Special Olympics Basketball
3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 4/6 from 1:00-3:00
Special Olympics Bowling
3/15, 3/20, 3/29, 4/12 from 10:00-12:00
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Hands On Tokyo Fundraising Dinner and Auction
"A Taste of Volunteering"
Friday, April 18, 2008
City Club of Tokyo
6:30PM-10:30PM
Help us meet our goal of raising ¥30 million for HOT!
Flow from room to room tasting various delicious cuisines, learning more about volunteering and the mission of Hands On Tokyo. Event will feature a motivational speaker and fabulous auction prizes.
Tickets: ¥20,000 per person including all food, drink, dessert.
To register contact:
deva.hirsch@handsontokyo.org
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SOLD OUT!
Hands on Tokyo Luncheon
Featuring American humor writer and weekly columnist, Andrea Sarvady
Friday, April 4, 2008
Time: 11:30AM-1:30PM
Place: Restaurant Voie Lactee, Tomo Museum
Price: ¥10,000 includes set lunch and donation to Hands On Tokyo
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"A Brilliant Life" benefit solo exhibition showcasing larger- than-life works of Le Thanh Son.
April 12-19, 2008
Shinsei Bank 20th floor gallery 11 am-7 pm daily
Benefit exhibition will support Tokyo English Life Line, Room to Read, Second Harvest Japan and Hands on Tokyo.
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