Local organizations come together to assist Japan earthquake relief

Efforts will be kicked-off during Thursday's City Council session

SAN ANTONIO – 18 local agencies and organizations have come together to create awareness and raise funds to help Kumamoto, Japan with their earthquake relief efforts.

The fundraising efforts will be kicked-off in San Antonio during Thursday's City Council session, located in the City Council Chambers found in the 100 block of W. Commerce Street. 

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A special announcement will be made by Toyota Motor Manufacturing.

Those in attendance during the event are said to include:

  • Mayor Ivy R. Taylor and City Council
  • Dr. Martha Fabrique, President, Japan-America Society of San Antonio
  • Mr. David Crouch, Vice President of Administration, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc.
  • Ms. Miruki Higashi, Kumamoto Student Exchange Student at St. Anthony Catholic High School

San Antonio's sister city of Kumamoto, Japan on April 14 and 15 suffered multiple earthquakes that led to devastating infrastructure damage and the loss of 49 lives with thousands injured.

The Japan-America Society of San Antonio is now leading efforts to assist the cause. Three funds are set up by the Kumamoto government to help raise money: one for the victims and survivors of the earthquakes, one to help rebuild the city's infrastructure that was damaged, and one to rebuild the Kumamoto Castle, a historic landmark for the city.

To donate, click here.

Other supporting organizations include:

  • City of San Antonio
  • Bexar County
  • Musical Bridges Around the World
  • Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AAACC)
  • San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
  • University of the Incarnate Word
  • San Antonio Japanese Companies Association
  • Japanese Supplementary School of San Antonio
  • San Antonio Economic Development Foundation
  • San Antonio Botanical Garden
  • San Antonio River Authority
  • East Asia Institute - University of Texas at San Antonio
  • Bexar County Medical Society
  • Naoko Shirane Memorial
  • Our Lady of the Lake University

About the Authors:

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.