One thousand origami paper cranes as well as a cheque of more than €4,500 will be making its way to Japan’s Red Cross to help with relief efforts and give the people affected by the recent earthquake tsunami disaster messages of hope and support from Galway.
A cheque presentation event took place at St Nicholas Church on Tuesday afternoon attended by the Mayor of Galway city Michael Crowe as well as members of the Japanese community in Galway and the general public. It was a proud moment for the fundraisers who managed to raise just over €4,566 by taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade last week and the Saturday market at the weekend. According to one of the organisers Yoshimi Hayakawa, of Wa Cafe, the fundraising will continue with the result that all the money will be sent, with the help of Cllr Crowe, to Japan’s Red Cross along with 1,000 origami paper cranes, an ancient Japanese legend promising long life or recovery from illness or injury.
“I felt the Galway people have been very sympathetic to what is happening in Japan and supportive. They are really conscious about it and I would like to thank them for their support. We are making origami cranes in the Irish colour of green. This is a symbol for long life and everyone can put a message of support, telling the Japanese people that Galway is thinking of them,” said Ms Hayakawa.
Further donations for this worthy cause can be made at Wa Cafe, New Dock Street, or at Sheridans Cheesemongers, Churchyard Street.
