ASHIKAGA DISASTER RELIEF FUND ESTABLISHED

for more information:
Ernie Slottag 789-2235

Mayor Frank Edwards and representatives of Springfield’s Sister Cities Association today announced the creation of a disaster relief fund to provide aid to residents in our sister city of Ashikaga, Japan. Although it is about 150 miles from the epicenter, Ashikaga sustained light to moderate damage from last week’s earthquake. Ashikaga is less than 100 miles from the damaged reactors at the nuclear power plant at Fukushima.

“The people of Japan are suffering because of the devastation sustained by the earthquake and tsunami,” Edwards said. “Even though Ashikaga did not suffer the same amount of damage that we view in the pictures seen on television and the internet, we need to offer some assistance regardless of the severity of their damage.”

“Ten years ago when a terrorist attack took down the World Trade Center in New York, the students and families of Ashikaga offered their support and assistance to us. They sent $10,000 which allowed us to send assistance to New York City. It is only fitting and appropriate that we return the favor, knowing that we may be able help those who are suffering.”

Edwards was joined by representatives of the Sister Cities Association, whose organization is coordinating the fund drive. Area residents who wish to contribute to the Ashikaga Disaster Relief Fund may drop their donations off at the Williamsville State Bank, 3341 Old Jacksonville Road, or at any Williamsville State Bank branch. Donations can also be sent to the Sister Cities Association of Springfield, P. O. Box 1474, Springfield, IL 62705-1474. Checks should be made out to the Sister Cities Association of Springfield.

Ashikaga, Japan has been a Sister City to Springfield for more than two decades. The Twentieth anniversary of this special relationship was celebrated last fall in Ashikaga. Since establishment of the relationship, groups of students and adults have traveled to each other’s city on cultural and educational exchanges.

Ashikaga is a city of approximately 161,000 people and is located approximately 80 kilometers north of Tokyo. In early days it was best known for its textiles, but it has since become highly commercialized and industrialized. Ashikaga is the home of Ashikaga Gakko, Japan’s oldest university.

Links:   Sister Cities      United States Embassy in Tokyo