Wellington restaurants support Japan relief

In a local effort to aid earthquake and tsunami relief in Japan, a range of Wellington restaurants selling Japanese-style food are making cash donations or donating a percentage of sales made between Match 26 to April 1 to the New Zealand Red Cross “Japan Earthquake and Tsunami 2011 Appeal”.

Participating restaurants include: Kazu Restaurant Group, Sakura Restaurant, Japanese Kitchen, and Kita-Q.More restaurants are joining all the time: see craneaid.org for up-to-date details.

Japanese-born Wellingtonian Hanako Yoshida has organised the restaurants' aid efforts. Mrs Yoshida said she and other Japanese New Zealanders and locals wanted to do whatever they could to help. Knowing Kiwis’ love of Japanese food such as sushi and yakitori, she felt the restaurant scheme offered a positive way to make a difference.

“People have been giving with enormous generosity to Christchurch and Japan. Many people have given all they can in a financial sense already.

“This is a small thing that, when added up together, can make a big difference. And by supporting the participating restaurants when buying lunch or going out to dinner, people can assist in helping those facing enormous hardship in Japan.”

In addition to the restaurant donations, origami cranes will be sold at a range of locations around Wellington, with all proceeds going to the New Zealand Red Cross “Japan Earthquake and Tsunami 2011 Appeal”. Details at craneaid.org

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