Japanese consul to donate relief funds to Dexter community

Posted on Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 12:49 p.m.

Japanese consul to donate relief funds to Dexter community

By Danielle Arndt

The Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit will present a check to the Dexter community at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday at Cornerstone Elementary School to help with the village’s cleanup after a tornado last week.

Consul General Kuninori Matsuda, a representative to the Japanese government, said Cornerstone Elementary was one of several Michigan schools to help raise funds for the relief effort in Japan immediately after the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami devastated the country.

Kuninori Matsuda

“When we heard about the tornado, we were so concerned, but at the same time so relieved to hear there were no human casualties,” Matsuda said. “I gathered with my office and we quickly collected a small amount of money and decided to deliver it personally.

"Although it is a small gesture, it is one of the many ways we can try to pay back.”

Matsuda said he also contacted a number of Japanese companies in the greater-Ann Arbor area to encourage them to donate to the Dexter tornado cleanup as well. He said the companies responded very positively to his request.

He added Japan is “ever grateful” for the students and citizens of Dexter.

Cornerstone Elementary is located at 7480 Dan Hoey Road.

Staff reporter Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.

Comments

Elaine F. Owsley

Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 12:05 p.m.

Since is is now Wednesday, can you update to tell us how much the check was for?

Danielle Arndt

Wed, Mar 21, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.

Hi Elaine, I just spoke with Superintendent Mary Marshall and she said the check was for $1,000. Thanks for reading and for your question!

Carole

Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 10:40 p.m.

Marvelous and thank you very much.

Elaine F. Owsley

Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 7:50 p.m.

Whether you are of the "pay it forward" or the "bread on the water" school, a gesture such as this is moving and appreciated. How kind of them.

jns131

Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.

And the amount is? Probably the same they sent to Japan after their little disaster as well. What comes around goes around. Nice gesture.

JustMyOpinion

Thu, Mar 22, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.

How about the amount is none of our business? The total donation was far more than we sent and even if it hadn't been, the personal visit alone was worth so much more. It told our kids that we are members of a larger community and that we are not alone and that goodness is still prevalent. It meant a lot to many in our community, who have do deal with lost homes and memento's, children who are afraid and lives in flux. 24 o our school staff and teachers were hit - its not been easy. Attitudes pulling people down are not helpful or appreciated.

justcurious

Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 7:32 p.m.

Very good.

DBH

Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.

Domo arigato gozaimasu, Consul General Matsuda!

nowayjose

Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.

LOL, I can hear the song playing in my head as I read

ac10award

Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.

How kind, considering their own recent need to rebuild from natural disaster. Thank you Consul Matsuda, and people of Japan.

Steve

Tue, Mar 20, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.

This is a very nice thing to do.