On September 4, as raging fires swept through the Kanto region, the Rotary Club of Tokyo received
the following telegram from Rotary International Chairman Gundaken and Secretary Perry:
"DEEFEST SYMPATHY ROTARY INTERNATIONAL AND ALL ROTARYCLUBS.
IS THERE
ANY PARTICULAR THING WE CAN DO" |
Taking into account the telegraph technology of the time including the time lags that occurred as
messages passed between countries, the Rotary International response was nearly instantaneous.
The next day, September 5, another telegram arrived informing the Japanese Club that a relief plan
was being drafted and that US$25,OOO would be sent immediately as part of the relief aid.
Unsatisfied with the relief efforts of the Red Cross and other organizations in their countries, Rotary
Clubs around the world decided to donate money through Rotary International or directly to the
Rotary Club of Tokyo. A total of 503 Rotary Clubs donated over US$89,OOO.
|
A tragic scene after the earthquake
"Dozens of people are still inside.
Please help them." |
Donation Income and Expenditure Income
Income
From Rotary International
From Rotary Clubs and Other organizations
Total
Expenditures
Establishing an orphanage
Funds for elementary schools
To families of police officers who died while on duty
To Kinoshita Maternity Hospital
Total
|
¥74,216.30
¥14,944.82
¥89,161.12
¥37,000.00
¥26,731.60
¥15,429.52
¥10,000.00
¥89,161.12 |
| U.S. |
375 clubs |
New Zealand |
2 clubs |
China |
1 club |
| U.K. |
60 clubs |
Netherlands |
2 clubs |
Peru |
1 club |
| Canada |
40 clubs |
France |
2 clubs |
South Africa |
1 club |
| Cuba |
6 clubs |
Panama |
2 clubs |
Philippines |
1 club |
| Mexico |
4 clubs |
|
|
Brazil |
1 club |
| Australia |
3 clubs |
|
|
Norway |
1 club |
| |
|
|
|
Denmark |
1 club |
| Total 503 clubs |
The friendship and support given by these clubs reflects the ideal of "selfless service," the most
important Rotary Club philosophy. This support was a valuable lesson and an inspiration to the
Rotary Club of Tokyo which had only been in existence for a few years. The psychological impact
that the Great Tokyo Earthquake had on the Rotary Club of Tokyo is something that all of today's
Rotary Club members must always remember.
|
