Compusult (www.compusult.net) and Ohara Consulting recently sponsored a Japanese Cultural Event to help support recovery efforts associated with the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan and to further awareness of Japanese culture. Hosted by the A.C. Hunter Library, Compusult, and Ohara Consulting, the celebration took place Thursday April 14, 2011, at the main library in the Arts and Culture Centre, St. John’s, NL. Members of the media were also on hand to speak to both attendees and the organizers.
The event began with a slideshow and discussion about the recent tsunami and earthquake, as well as a moment of silence to honour all lives lost and people displaced. Donations were collected by the Newfoundland Japanese Society, which in turn were donated to the Japanese Red Cross. A total of $1,743.54 was collected for the cause.
Compusult then donated twenty Japanese DVD movies to the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries to further expand their holdings of Japanese media. This was in follow-up to an event in 2009 when Compusult donated thirty-two Japanese DVD movies to the libraries in recognition of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan. Shortly thereafter, a reciprocal donation was made by the A.C.
The event also showcased Japanese cultural traditions plus food and refreshments, including Japanese-style sushi. Various participation areas were set up throughout the library, offering interactive activities for all attendees. Sessions such as origami making, a Haiku Poetry Contest, and an Anime Drawing Contest were big hits. Prizes supplied by the A.C. Hunter Library, Compusult, Parsons & Sons Transportation, Bella Based NL, Fudoshin Aikikai, and Ohara Consulting were later awarded to thank all participants for their generous contributions to the recovery effort and for their interest and support.
Compusult and Ohara Consulting would like to sincerely thank the A.C. Hunter Library, the Newfoundland Japanese Society, the many volunteers, and all attendees for showing their support and taking part in such an important cause. We would also like to thank Parsons & Sons Transportation, Bella Beads NL, and Fudoshin Aikikai for donating door prizes for the event.
Thank you very much for all of your participation. We chose the following people as the winners of the contests. Congratulations!
Winners of the Haiku Poetry Contest
1st Place - Jordan Stack
2nd Place - Chris Dunn
3rd Place - Marin Darmonknow
Winner of the Anime Drawing Contest
1st Place Anime Drawing - Jordyn Roul
These winners will be awarded prizes from Compusult. We will contact them soon.
Event Photos
(photo courtesy by Alick Tsui <http://www.nlpictures.com/>)
