Earthquake Appeal Day

天災無情人間有情

Australian International School Hong Kong, Earthquake Appeal Day (Christchurch and Japan)

日本駐香港總領事隈丸優次 (左)和新西蘭駐港總領事胡泊出席籌款活動。

雖說「人定勝天」，然而遇上特大天災，人類只能無畏地面對。繼今年二月二十二日，新西蘭基督城發生六點三級大地震後，三月十一日，日本東北地區也發生日本有紀錄以來的九級世紀大地震，並因受地震影響而產生的大海嘯更摧毀大量房屋和引致數以萬計的人民傷亡。

這兩次大地震不單令新西蘭和日本人民感到無比悲痛，國際社會亦十分關注，並紛紛施以援手和予以同情之心，而香港也不例外。三月十一日，香港澳洲國際學校舉行籌款活動，該校的新西蘭籍和日籍的師生和家長分別自製了大量的曲奇、鬆餅、日式食品等義賣，款項全數捐給新西蘭和日本災區的人民。

當日，全校師生為新西蘭大地震和日本大地震的死難者默哀兩分鐘，跟着新西蘭駐香港總領事胡泊和日本駐香港總領事隈丸優次先後致辭，感謝師生、家長們的關懷和支持。其後，校內的新西蘭籍和日本籍學生向兩位總領事獻上他們精心製作的紙鶴、圖畫、心意咭等。校方還邀請了來港參加國際七人欖球賽的新西蘭國家欖球隊到場參與團體活動，一同為新西蘭和日本的災民打氣，並送上無限祝福，充份體現「天災無情、人間有情」的人類崇高情操。

Second from left, Co Head of School and Secondary Principal, Mr Phillip Waugh, Japanese Consul General, Mr Yuji Kumamaru, New Zealand Consul General, Ms Adele Bryant, flanked by the New Zealand 7s Rugby Team.

On Monday 21 March, 2011 the Australian International School Hong Kong (AISHK) hosted an Earthquake Appeal Day to support both its New Zealand and Japanese communities and raise much needed funds for the ongoing relief efforts in both countries. In total, students, parents and teachers raised $78,280, which will be divided between relief efforts in Japan and New Zealand.

The Japanese and New Zealand Consul Generals and the New Zealand Rugby Sevens teams attended the event.

Addressing all students, the New Zealand Consul General Ms Adele Bryant said: “There is a saying the charity begins at home but does not end at home. Today AISHK students are putting into action your theme of responsible citizenship by making a difference for many people in need. Rebuilding the beautiful city of Christchurch will take some time, but the funds you are raising today will go towards many school, businesses and homes that are in need. Your efforts and kindness make us full of hope that we are not alone.”

The students and staff of the Australian International School wore red and black today to signify New Zealand and Japan. (Black for New Zealand and Red for Japan)

In his address to students, the Japanese Consul General Mr Yuji Kumamaru added: “On behalf of the people of Japan, I would like to thank everyone from the school for the sympathy and condolences you have offered. Thank you to the students for the messages of support. Every effort is being made to reach survivors and support those needing relief. All of our thoughts are with the people who have lost their lives and with their families, who will appreciate your kindness.”

Students were required to bring as many $10 coins as they could muster to school to donate to the appeal. Students also had the choice to wear black or red (Black for New Zealand and Red for Japan). The coins were laid in an area out on the school field in the words “Christchurch” and “Japan”.

Lunch time was a celebration of all things New Zealand and Japanese, with themed cake and food stalls and various fun games such as gumboot and sandal throwing. The New Zealand Rugby 7s team also attended the event to receive cards and letters of well wishes and condolence written by students to those affected by the Christchurch earthquake. Primary students also prepared Japanese Origami Cranes which were on display.

The students and staff of the Australian International School wore red and black today to signify New Zealand and Japan. (Black for New Zealand and Red for Japan)