Following last year’s horrifying tsunami event, Wadaiko Rindo donated all profits from our 2011 student concert ($4,133.15) to みちのく未来基金 (Michinoku Mirai), the ‘Future’ Fund established by Kagome, Calbee Foods and Rohto Pharmaceutical, to aid young people who are affected by the disaster. Early this year, one of our members, Mia-Alexandra Sky, edited footage of the performances and authored a commemorative DVD for students. All profits from sales of those DVDs were also collected for donation to Michinoku Mirai.
When Mia was travelling to Tokyo in May-June, she arranged to meet a Michinoku Mirai representative, from the company Kagome, and personally presented Wadaiko Rindo’s second donation. Seen here, Mia presents the ¥83,000 along with a DVD set of our 2011 concert performances. The profit from the DVD sales (after the material costs were removed) was $1,136. The exchange rates were quite poor in May, but the gesture was cherished by Michinoku Mirai, who offered a letter of thanks for Wadaiko Rindo’s continuing support.
Thanks to those of you in the audience who helped raise the initial amount from ticket proceeds, and all those students who bought copies of the DVD. Thank you for helping us assist with the healing of Japan.
Toshi Sakamoto
The documents presented to Wadaiko Rindo by Michinoku Mirai, upon receipt of our second donation to their charity.