Co-op Mirai Holds Rice Donation Ceremony for the Social Welfare Organization Saiseikai Imperial Gift Foundation, Inc.
2022.08.23
Co-op Mirai has been donating approximately 200 tons of rice to local food banks, social welfare councils, and other organizations that provide food assistance to the needy throughout the year starting in March 2022, with the aim of supporting the needy who are suffering from the COVID-19 disaster and supporting rice production in Japan.
On June 3, a ceremony was held to donate 300 kg of rice to the Social Welfare Organization Saiseikai Imperial Gift Foundation, Inc. (Saiseikai). This is the third time Co-op Mirai has donated rice to Saiseikai, bringing the total amount of rice donated to 900 kg.
The donated rice will be provided free of charge to local children's cafeterias run by Tokyo Saiseikai Mukojima Hospital and Saiseikai Kounosu Hospital.
Ms. ARAI Chitose, Board Chair of, Co-op Mirai (left) and Mr. SUMITANI Shigeru, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Social Welfare Organization Saiseikai Imperial Gift Foundation, Inc.
- [Comments from Mr. SUMITANI Shigeru, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Social Welfare Organization Saiseikai Imperial Gift Foundation, Inc.]
We are engaged in activities to welcome those who are members of society but are left out. The children's cafeterias operated by Tokyo Saiseikai Mukojima Hospital and Saiseikai Kounosu Hospital are part of this effort. We believe that the support of rice does not only provide nutritional supplements as food, but also provides an opportunity for conversation, relaxation, and connection with the people who gather at the children's cafeteria. Encouraged by this support, we will continue to advance social inclusion efforts to ensure that "no one is left behind."
- [Comments from Ms. ARAI Chitose, Chair of the Board of Directors, Co-op Mirai]
In March, Co-op Mirai began providing support for rice in order to return to society the surplus generated by the many co-op members who use our services and by our staff who work in the field. In order to reach out to those in need and provide detailed support, it is important to have partnerships with people and organizations who are active in the community, such as the "Children's Cafeteria" run by members of Saiseikai. Valuing these connections, Co-op Mirai will continue to actively participate and collaborate in local activities as an "organization of mutual aid."
Furthermore, due to the COVID-19 disaster, rice producers in Japan are also facing difficult situations and circumstances. Through this initiative, we would like to support sustainable agriculture and provide assistance to rice producers.
