Living Oceans
April 2010
Banner photo: Orange Anthias and Coral, Egypt [© David Doubilet]
Haiti Relief Efforts
SGI-Haiti members meet on January 24, for the first time following the earthquake, to pray for the victims of the quake [© Seikyo Shimbun]
Soka Gakkai Vice President Kenji Yoshigo visited Jean Claude Bordes, Charg‚ d'Affaires at the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Tokyo, Japan, on January 15 to pledge a contribution of 3 million yen (US$32,900) toward government-organized relief activities for the earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12.
SGI-Dominican Republic (SGI-DR) members donated 2,400 bottles of water, canned food, powdered milk and crackers to the NPO Socio-Cultural Movement of Haitian Workers (MOSCTHA). Four SGI-DR members, including two doctors, traveled to Haiti with MOSCTHA's team to assist with the provision of emergency medical assistance. SGI-Venezuela also made a donation of foodstuffs, diapers and sanitary towels through the Venezuelan Red Cross.
In addition, SGI-USA donated US$10,000 to the American Red Cross International Response Fund and held extended prayer sessions for the repose of the victims. On January 18, SGI-Hong Kong contributed HK$200,000 (US$25,750) to the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF in support of relief activities. On January 22, Taiwan Soka Association donated 1 million Taiwanese dollars (US$31,420) through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and on February 10, SGI-Thailand made a donation of THB1,274,691 (US$38,340) through Thailand's Ministry of Culture.
During ceremonies held in Japan to commemorate the victims of the massive Kobe earthquake which occurred on January 17, 1995, Soka Gakkai members offered special prayers for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.
