Y Care International's partner Japan YMCA calls for emergency support for earthquake victims

14 March 2011

Y Care International is collecting donations to pass on to partner organisations working in the earthquake-stricken areas of Japan.

Our YMCA partners in Sendai and Tochigi, which are closest to the affected areas, started immediately helping local people affected by the earthquake and are forming local support stations at each YMCA. In addition, our partner CWS is also working to provide emergency relief.

The Japan YMCA has formed a special task force to respond to the needs of the disaster areas and will be focused on supporting the victims, children, those with disabilities, elderly and migrant workers in Japan. Japanese YMCA volunteers will be sent to the affected areas as soon as access is possible and they have made an appeal for donations to help them provide essential emergency supplies and support.

In a Disaster response statement, Shigeru Shimada, National General Secretary of the National Council of YMCAs of Japan said: “We have never experienced such a huge disaster throughout the many parts of the country with such massive damage occurring with each disaster."

Anyone in the UK and Ireland wishing to donate to the victims of the Japan earthquake can do so through Y Care International and we will collect donations and forward them to our partner organisations in Japan.

Chris Roles, Chief Executive of Y Care International says: “The YMCA in Japan is very experienced in earthquake response and disaster preparedness. YMCAs are already working alongside the Japanese government, civil society and NGOs to set up the emergency response as quickly as possible. Our thoughts are with all those affected at this terrible time.”

To support the emergency donate online or call 020 7549 3175