Hokkaido, Japan Earthquake Relief Fund

To support the restoration and reconstruction effort of the areas affected by the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake, Civic Force has been supporting NPO activities through NPO Partner Projects. Activities include providing playgrounds for children in affected areas through the Iburi Nature School. The Iburi Nature School also provides a nature experience program aimed at healing the anxiety of parents and children affected by the earthquake. Civic Force has also assisted Ezorock, a nonprofit organization that produces and sells dried vegetables, through NPO Partner Projects. Not only is Ezorock aiming to improve production technology but also focusing on package design. They plan to distribute sample dried vegetables at the Disaster Recovery Event in March in Atsuma-cho. Ezorock strives to explore more market opportunities in the future.

Please read about our efforts in Newsletter Vol.17 at the link below.

Links:

• Newsletter Vol.17

NPO Partner Projects has been implemented in the areas affected by the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake since October 2018. Through this platform, two support projects were launched this November.

Iburi Nature School, based in Tomakomai City, has promoted nature experience activities for parents and children. The school has led disaster restoration activities such as dismantling collapsed houses, establishing volunteer centers, and managing volunteers in Tomakomai City, Abira Town, Atsuma Town, and Mukawa Town since September 7. Iburi Nature School also provides a nature experience program aimed at healing the anxiety of parents and children affected by the earthquake. The program focused on “Mokuiku” which means "nurturing through wood." Activities include fishing, grilling the fish over wooden stoves, making chopsticks, and ice skating.

Ezorock has initiated a variety of activities all over Hokkaido including environmental maintenance at event sites and nature conservation in national parks. Their efforts have now extended to disaster support projects as well. Ezorock produced and sold dried vegetables in Sumikawa, Sapporo City and Atsuma Town and raised public awareness on disaster risk reduction. NPO Partner Projects plans to instruct the child-raising groups on how to produce and sell dry vegetables to increase job opportunities and develop the region.