Vudu Café+Larder and Qbook raise over $5,000 for Japan

Media Release from GANBARE JAPAN Organisers
April 11th, 2011

Vudu Café+Larder and Qbook raise over $5,000 for earthquake

Queenstown’s Vudu Café+Larder and Qbook raised over $5,000 for earthquake victims in Japan after last weekend’s successful ‘Ganbare Japan’ fundraising event.

The final total was 5,488.60 that will be donated to Red Cross Japan 2011 Earthquake Appeal. Vudu Cafe barista and organiser, Mika Sugano, expressed her gratitude after the successful fundraiser.

“I’m really touched at the amount raised and want to thank everyone who donated, helped and of course those who came. There are still ongoing problems so I hope people continue to pray for the strength and well-being of the victims.”

Qbook director, Yoji Kimura, says it’s been amazing how the local community has supported the event.

“Not only did we sell out in 3 days but over 30 local businesses, including every Japanese restaurant in town, made contributions.”

Queenstown is home to an estimated 500 Japanese nationals and receives around 60,000 visitors from Japan every year. It has been a time for many locals to reconnect with those back in Japan.

“Through Qbook we have received a large number of condolence and sympathy messages from across the community. I will deliver the message that the people of Queenstown are supporting Japan while there this month,” says Mr Kimura.

Vudu Café + Larder was transformed for successful event with Japanese lanterns and origami decorations, while the staff wore traditional Yukata (summer kimonos). Guests were treated to sushi, miso soup, plum wine, Japanese beer and live music from Japanese local musicians.

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