Lahaina Jodo Mission Hosts Kokua from Hawai’i Bazaar

By Wendy Osher

Kokua From Hawai'i, A fundraiser for Japan Relief.

The Lahaina Jodo Mission in partnership with the West Maui Buddhist Council is hosting a Ganbare! Kokua from Hawai’i Bazaar this weekend.

Ganbare! is a Japanese term that means, “try your best” or “persevere” and is often used to encourage people in times of strife.

The phrase was chosen as efforts are made to raise funds for relief and recovery in Japan following the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Prayers will also be offered for more than 11,000 people who have lost their lives in these disasters and for the more than 16,000 people that are still missing.

• Where: Lahaina Jodo Mission (12 Ala Moana Street)
• When: Sunday, April 10th
• Bazaar Time 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
• Prayer time: 2 p.m.

The Bazaar will feature rummage items, food, a bake sale, and silent auction. There will also be an opportunity to participate in the Aloha Mai quilt project.  The quilts will be made up of “squares of aloha” with messages to the people of Japan.  Squares will be available for those who wish to add a message to the quilts.

The community can support by attending the event, or donating sell-able rummage items, produce, and silent auction items. For further information contact 661-4304.

Proceeds from the bazaar will be sent to Tohoku University Earthquake Disaster Relief.  Tohoku University is located near the epicenter of the earthquake, and has been providing free health care from their University Hospital, and assisting in identification of bodies.

Donations are welcome in Japanese yen, checks can be made payable to Lahaina Jodo Mission (please note: tsunami/earthquake relief fund).   For further information please call 661-4304.