Volunteer Spotlight: Jill Grooms
|
 Originally from Chicago, and most recently from Florida, Jill's move to Tokyo almost three years ago was her first time out of the United States. Used to working full time in a busy U.S. inner city emergency room while raising three small children, Jill was accustomed to having a lot of activity in her daily life. Initially she missed that in Tokyo, so she began volunteering. Today Jill is a standout volunteer leader for numerous organizations including the American School in Japan PTA Board; Tokyo American Club Women's Group Charity Committee; and the Tokyo American Club Women's Group Board.
Jill's work with the Tokyo American Club Charities Committee led her to become one of the founding board members of Hands On Tokyo. "I wanted to find valuable volunteer experiences to fill my time, but I was having a difficult time finding those opportunities. Then I met Deva, and, of course, with her amazing personality, I was ready to get on board with starting up Hands on Tokyo!" Jill's experience and can-do spirit helped HOT establish our very first project with Second Harvest Food Bank (profiled in the March HOT newsletter). Throughout 2007 she was instrumental in shaping the direction of HOT and especially in coordinating and motivating fellow volunteers. While no longer a board member since going back to work part-time as the Health Center Nurse at the American School in Japan, Jill continues to serve as project coordinator for 2HJ pulling together a dedicated team of volunteers each Thursday afternoon. "Working there gives you a great sense that you are doing something to help this very needy (and growing) population in Tokyo", says Jill. "And, at the same time it's fun working with friends and meeting people from all walks of life."
Jill recalls the HOT Day of Service as one of her most rewarding volunteer experiences. "It was great to have so many people from various backgrounds, and their kids, graciously handing out food and flyers to the people living along the Sumida River. I especially enjoyed working with my teenage son, Evan, and seeing his empathetic side toward the people to whom he was delivering food." According to Jill, "Volunteering needs to be part of everyone's daily life." We agree 100%. Jill, you are an inspiration for us all.
|
Partner Spotlight: Fukushi Plaza Sakuragawa
|
 HOT was introduced to Fukushi Plaza Sakuragawa, a senior citizen's home located in Tokyo's Shimbashi district through the Minato Ward Office which had put out a call for organizations seeking volunteers. Initially, though, the staff and seniors did not know what to make of a group of mostly foreign volunteers, many non-Japanese speaking. However, Suzuyo Nishikawa, Volunteer Coordinator at Sakuragawa was willing to take a chance on a partnership with HOT. The two organizations combined their expertise to design an activity program that would be enriching and fulfilling both for the seniors and the volunteers. Now, after more than a year of HOT volunteers visiting Sakuragawa several Mondays each month, Ms. Nishikawa is happy to have her gamble proven right. "We appreciate that Hands On Tokyo volunteers come to spend an hour with the seniors", says Ms. Nishikawa. "I can tell when they are with the seniors that their smiles are from the bottom of their hearts." Long-time Sakuragawa volunteer, Alicia Bollesen says it best. "I get touched seeing the seniors smiles when the volunteers walk into the recreation room. I see wonderful people that just want to laugh and have fun playing ball, singing Karaoke, playing picture games, Hawaiian dancing, or doing crafts. When I am massaging and painting the ladies fingernails and I hear them say how beautiful they feel, it makes me happy knowing that I could help bring a smile to their faces and make a difference in their day. I am sure that I receive just as much, if not more satisfaction as the seniors. I don't think there is anything more rewarding than putting a smile on another's face. This is one of the most rewarding volunteer projects." To volunteer at Sakuragawa on Monday afternoons, please contact volunteer coordinator Yuko Takahashi at: yuko.takahashi@handsontokyo.org Families and children are welcome.
|
| Sponsor Spotlight: Ichigo Asset Management Limited
|
 Ichigo Asset Management is a Tokyo-based independent investment manager specializing in Japanese equities. Founded by noted Japan business and political scholar, Scott Callon, the firm has a strong commitment to corporate philanthropy. According to CEO Callon, "Ichigo believes in charitable giving as a fundamental element of how we contribute to society."
Ichigo was a corporate sponsor for Hands On Tokyo's Day of Service and the Callon family have been active participants in HOT projects throughout the last year. Scott's daughter Wynne serves as one of the teen advisors on HOT's board. "We feel that as a bilingual volunteer clearinghouse Hands On Tokyo is uniquely positioned to help all members of the Tokyo community, both Japanese and international, come together in a common cause of service," says Scott. In addition to its support for HOT, Ichigo is proud to be a sponsor of the Tokyo FIT for Charity Run (www.fitforcharity.org), Tokyo English Life Line (www.telljp.com), College Women's Association of Japan (www.cwaj.org), and the Japan-America Student Conference (www.jasc.org).
Scott tells HOT, "We are grateful to be able to support Hands on Tokyo's service on behalf of the Tokyo community and hope that HOT will serve as an inspiration and an opportunity for many individuals to contribute to Japan." Thanks to the generosity of Ichigo Asset Management and Scott Callon, we are well on our way to achieving that goal.
|
|
|
|
|
 Fundraising Dinner & Auction
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to our first ever fundraising auction. Your generosity helped raise over 10 million yen for Hands On Tokyo. See the full report coming in our May newsletter! 
|
|
|
Andrea Sarvady Luncheon
|
 On April 4, at the HOT fundraising luncheon at Restaurant Voie Lactee, American Andrea Sarvady, author of The Modern Neurosis Handbook, entertained 60 attendees while helping raise 450,000 ye n for Hands On Tokyo's ongoing volunteer activities.
|
Save The Date!
2nd Annual
Hands On Tokyo Day of Service
October 4, 2008 (Saturday)
|
Volunteer Opportunities
|
Upcoming Opportunities:
Special Olympics Basketball, Weekends, 1:00-3:00 Restarting in September 2008. (Dates to be announced soon) SON Advanced Basketball, 3:00-5:00 (Must be able to play basketball) May 11, 18,25, June 1, 15,22,29, July 5,6,13 SON Bowling, Weekends, 10:00-12:00 Restarting in September 2008. (Dates to be announced soon.) SON Motor Development Saturdays, 1:00-3:00 May 10, 24, June 14, 28, July 12 Sponsored by Hitachi Consulting
Sakuragawa Senior Home, Mondays, 2:00-3:00
May 12, 26
Second Harvest Japan, Thursdays, 1:00-3:00 May 1,8,15,22,29 June 5,12,19,26 (for 3-4 volunteers) Wakaba-ryo Children's Home, 10:15-Noon, Tuesday, April 29 and Sunday, May 11 (For ages 10 years old and above.) Sponsored by State Street
To volunteer for any project, e-mail us at: info@handsontokyo.org
or call: 03-5404-3563
|
|
|
