Community of Quesnel rallies to help its sister city in Japan

In March, the City of Quesnel in conjunction with the Shiraoi Twinning Society, launched a community fundraising initiative to provide assistance to its sister city Shiraoi, Japan after its own Japanese sister city Sendai, was devastated by an earthquake and resulting tsunami. To date, the residents of Quesnel have raised an astounding $19,727.31, nearly double the original goal of $10,000.

"Once again, the generosity of the residents of Quesnel shines through. I am so proud that we have all come together to help our sister city of Shiraoi," said Mayor Mary Sjostrom. "It was truly a community effort! The money will be of great assistance to the people of Sendai as they rebuild their community."

Donations will still be accepted at the Integris Credit Union for the Shiraoi-Sendai Relief Fund until September. The funds collected will be wired to the Shiraoi local government for presentation to the Sendai government in mid-July.

"The Mayor of Shiraoi has been organizing groups and sending them to their sister city Sendai, since the disaster, to aid in relief efforts. In Quesnel, groups have been aiding in those efforts, raising more than $19,000," added Dianne Graham, Quesnel/Shiraoi Twinning Society Director. "We, the members of the Quesnel/Shiraoi Twinning Society, are very grateful to the citizens of Quesnel and thank you for all the efforts made fundraising to help the people of Japan."

On March 11, 2011, a 9.0 Richter scale earthquake struck off the northeast coast of Japan. Subsequent tsunamis between 3.7 and 10 meters high came ashore along the Pacific Coast of Japan's islands.