Sandy Cheng, Block 6 Representative In light of the Christmas spirit, Block 6 has dedicated the month of December to Charity. The mutual goal of the 3 prefectures is to raise money for orphanages. The method for raising money in each prefecture varies with style and we welcome any JETs in Japan to join us!
will be in their best Christmas costume. A fraction of the money raised over the weekend will be used to buy Christmas gifts for a selected orphanage in Kobe, and all remaining proceeds will be donated to the Kobe Federation of Orphanages. This charity event happens to coincide with the famed Kobe Luminarie, so if you’re looking to spend the upcoming weekend in good company, fun, and lots of beautiful lights, come visit us!
Kyoto was ahead of the game and held a charity potluck during November. Approximately 20 people attended the event, and lots of food and fun were had. Although the potluck is over, donations will continue throughout the month of December. All proceeds raised from Kyoto will be donated to its local orphanages.
Shiga will be doing their usual thing to “Go MAD” in every way possible! That is, they will “Go Make A Difference” for the orphanages – Baan Unrak and Baan Dada – in Thailand. Every year, Shiga JETs volunteer their time to do various activities with the children such as teaching, singing, doing yoga and meditation sessions, and most importantly, playing with them. They also work on developmental projects in the neighbourhood, and fundraise money to go towards essential items such as umbrellas, clothes, hangers and beds.
Hyogo will be holding bake day sales on the 7th and 8th of December in Kobe. Organised in cooperation with the Kobe City University of Foreign Studies, over 70 JET and student volunteers will be present over the event weekend. Our “bake day sales” will of course involve the usual homemade cakes and cookies, but to make it more exciting we’ve also added in hot chocolate, hot tea, popcorn, and – believe it or not – a sausage sizzle! What’s that you say? “Sausage sizzle” is a popular way to raise money in Australia and New Zealand. All it takes is a slice of white bread, a barbecued sausage, some barbecued onions, mustard and tomato sauce! Simple and delicious! As part of our marketing strategy (but really just for fun) we’ll also have a JET choir singing famous and popular Christmas carols throughout each day. Of course, everyone at the event
For this purpose, on the 13th December, Shiga is going to get classy with their semiformal event “The Date Auction”! Volunteers will donate their time, the auction starts, and the winning bidder will get to spend an awesome day hanging out with the awesome volunteer (romance not offered). The auction will be held over drink, a delicious course dinner, and of course, great company. It will be a fun and fantastic way to meet lots of new people, and for a worthy cause! Block 6 is excited to be progressing in our goals this year of getting more involved with the local communities and working 13 together for charitable causes. Our block events are always open to fellow JETs from across the country, so don’t hesitate to join us for a great month in December! See you around!
A big jump after a long day painting
The famous Kobe Luminarie
Even cool girls like Christmas
CONNECT December Issue 2013