By Naho Hozumi | Tohoku Project Coordinator
Today, we'd like to share a story out of many lives you have changed - through supporting our project.
Kazuo and Masako's story
Kazuo and Masako Saito are paprika farmers in Yamamoto-cho, Miyagi-ken. All they remember of the hours that followed the March 11th earthquake were the aftershocks, the bitter cold, and the constant fear that ensued. After evacuating his family to a safe area, Kazuo dedicated himself to help locate survivors in the Kasano-ku area, where he serves as a local leader.
Like many in their community, the family lost everything they owned to the tsunami. Their home and farm, located 100m from the coastline, were completely washed away. They also lost all their machinery, which is detrimental for a farmer. Although they managed to rent damaged fields from a friend, the work that laid ahead for Kazuo and Masako was daunting, especially with no machinery.
But in July 2011, a local volunteer organization introduced them to Hands On Tokyo (HOT). HOT volunteers helped them plow their fields, construct green houses, and to plant, grow and harvest their paprika.
Today, the Saito family lives in three separate temporary housing units. They long for the day when the entire family can all live under the same roof again. And they still need help to get back on their feet. In addition to purchasing new machines, they need to secure direct sales outlets to sell their produce. HOT will continue to provide assistance to the Saito's, as well as to other farmers in the community.
In honor of the 3rd anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, GlobalGiving is hosting a matching campaign for recovery projects in the Tohoku area. Starting today, your donations will be matched 100% by GlobalGiving until matching funds last. To donate, click on "give now" button below.
Thank you for supporting this project, and for helping to tranform the lives of people like Kazuo and Masako!
Photo: "I am thankful for helping my farm - Arigato"
Taken on February 8, 2014, by HOT volunteers who provided assistance to the Saito's during a snow storm.
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