Media Advisory and Photo Opportunities: Summer Events

2012/07/03

Japanese Red Cross would like to update you on several activites/events which might be of interest to you as you plan your coverage of the 18-month milestone of the Great East Japan Earthquake/Tsunami and nuclear accident.

1. Summer Camp in Hokkaido

Japanese Red Cross will invite 3,615 children between the ages of 10-15 from the 3 worst-affected prefectures, to the 4 day camp in the northern island of Hokkaido. The children will have the chance to play outside in the beautiful natural surroundings, also will learn some skills such as first aid, team building and leadership. This camp aims to release the stress of children who are facing an uncomfortable situation both at home and school due to the loss of property or change of environment following the tsunami. Especially children in Fukushima are restricted from playing outside.

Place: Rusutsu Resourt in Hokkaido
Address: 13, Aza Izumigawa, Rusutsu Village, Hebita Gun, Hokkaido
Dates: 21 July – 23 August (3 nights 4 days trip / 1 term. 11 sessions in total.)

Activities:
-First aid training, learning about Red Cross activities.
-Cooking, Crafts, Hourse riding, Fishing etc.
-Writting a letter to your self in 10 years future.

※Japanese Red Cross will organize a media briefing about this project in Tokyo.
Place: Japanese Red Cross Headquaters
Address: 1-1-3 Shiba Daimon, Minato Ku, Tokyo
Time: 14:00 – 15:00 on 10 July 2012
Language: Japanese Only

If you wish to join this briefing, please let us know in advance.

2. Smile Park in Fukushima

For small children who have been unable to play outside, Japanese Red Cross will open an indoor playground in 6 locations throughout the year. (First 2 will open before September.)

First Place: Fukushima South Gymnasium
Address: 11-2 Kasamatsu, Asakawa-Aza, Matsukawa Town Fukushima City
Dates: 3 - 13 July
Second Place: Hamanasu welfare Center
Address: 357 Takaike, Koizumi-Aza, Soma City
Date: 22 July – 3 August

Activities:
- Slides, trampoline, jungle gym, „ball pool“
- Kids exercise with instructor
- Stage show by popular entertainer for kids

* Please be advised that you need to organize your own interpreter if needed and transport.
* We are happy for media to film/interview Red Cross staff/volunteers, but if you want to interview survivors, you need to ask for the individuals‘ permission.
* It would be helpful if you could give us the following information at least one week in advance, if you are interested in filming our activities:
(1) Number of people and contact person/number
(2) Name of the show or programme on which our activites are to be showed and time to be aired.


These projects are supported by donation from Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world.