SMU joins citywide efforts to help sister city in Japan

Misato bracelets are now available for a $1 donation.

Look for donation jars around campus, particularly on Misato Mondays.

The Winona-Misato Friendship Association is organizing a city/area wide benefit for the town of Misato in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan — Winona’s sister city.

Fifty homes in Misato were completely destroyed in the March earthquake. Three times that number were damaged. Many businesses and roads are in need of repair. Thankfully, no fatalities occurred, but more than 30 residents needed medical attention. The Misato residents are in need of funds to buy essential supplies: food, water and clothing.

SMU along with Winona State and other area businesses and institutions have been requested to support the city-wide initiative.

At SMU, “Misato Mondays” got off to a great start at Gaslight. Collection jars will be available Mondays, April 18 and May 2 at high visibility areas around campus including including Mugby Junction, the Info Desk, the library, Cardinal Corner, the Business Office, the bookstore and Cotter Café. Additionally, jars will be available at the track and field meet April 30.

Special Misato wristbands are also now available for a $1 donation at the Business Office, Student Activities, Admissions, Mugby Junction, the bookstore and Cardinal Corner.

A week-long benefit effort is being planned May 1 through May 7 throughout Winona. On Thursday, May 5, Saint Mary’s will host “Celebrate Japan” — an evening of events that celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Japan — from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Toner Student Center. Public events will include Japanese woodworking, martial arts, Japanese food and origami. Details are being finalized.

When the week is completed, a check from the Winona Community Foundation will be given to the City of Winona to send directly to officials in Misato.

Current pictures from Misato and pictures from past trips are available at at http://misatorelief.hbci.com.

For more information about Saint Mary’s participation, contact Chandu Valluri at Ext. 1466 or cvalluri@smumn.edu.

For more information on the benefit week, contact Bead Kerr at bker.1995@gmail.com, Joe Lepley at joseph.lepley@winona.k12.mn.us or Glenn Petersen at gpetersen@winona.edu.