News and Photos about fund raising and support for Naoto Matsumura!
If you reached this page through Facebook or through an email, congratulations! If this is your first introduction to Naoto Matsumura, and our world-wide efforts to raise awareness about him, "his" animals of Tomioka, and the people and animals of Fukushima, please click on the links below to read about him, and our fund raising efforts. Thanks!
Nanci Caron, fund raiser coordinator
May 30, 2012
Good news! Last week, Taro, (the "papa" dog of Aki's puppies - pictured here) was neutered! Mr. Matsumura made this decision, after pressure from animal advocates around the world. As you may know, spay/neuter is not commonplace in the rural areas of Japan. I am hoping that the idea will grow in the minds and hearts of caring individuals (such as Mr. Matsumura), and that support for such activity will evolve into a more accepted practice. I personally sent my heartiest "arigato" out to Mr. Matsumura for this action!
As the end of May approaches, my fund raising activities for Mr. Matsumura will also come to an end. What a journey it has been! It is time, however, to turn my attention and energy to other personal and professional concerns. I have the greatest respect and appreciation for all the contributors and supporters. I hope you find ways to stay informed about the Fukishima animals, and about the many concerns that the people there still endure - and will endure - for years to come. I have enjoyed communicating with so many of you, and hope that your good intentions, and your willingness to help those in need, will extend into other worthy causes. This transition comes at a time when Ganbaru Fukishma (Mr. Matsumura's organization) is now able to connect with larger financial entities for donations and support. Thank you all for the contributions, the well wishes, and the camaraderie we have shared for the last 5 months! Together, we have a made a difference!
Nanci Caron
As the end of May approaches, my fund raising activities for Mr. Matsumura will also come to an end. What a journey it has been! It is time, however, to turn my attention and energy to other personal and professional concerns. I have the greatest respect and appreciation for all the contributors and supporters. I hope you find ways to stay informed about the Fukishima animals, and about the many concerns that the people there still endure - and will endure - for years to come. I have enjoyed communicating with so many of you, and hope that your good intentions, and your willingness to help those in need, will extend into other worthy causes. This transition comes at a time when Ganbaru Fukishma (Mr. Matsumura's organization) is now able to connect with larger financial entities for donations and support. Thank you all for the contributions, the well wishes, and the camaraderie we have shared for the last 5 months! Together, we have a made a difference!
Nanci Caron
May 26, 2012
This week, another international wire of money from our contributors to the Chip In Fund was sent to Mr. Matsumura's account in Japan. Cards, letters, photos, and a copy of all the comments made by our contributors also arrived for Mr. Matsumura's enjoyment! I'm sure reading these messages of support gives him encouragement to continue his work with the animals. This photo shows him reading a card I made for him....how reassuring to know that these written notes do reach him!
Have a great holiday weekend, everyone (in the USA!)
Nanci Caron
Fund raiser Coordinator (in partnership with Nancy Holohan)
Have a great holiday weekend, everyone (in the USA!)
Nanci Caron
Fund raiser Coordinator (in partnership with Nancy Holohan)
May 18, 2012
Mr. Matsumura has been attending to his chores as usual, feeding and caring for the animals; his current focus is on the livestock left behind in the no-go zone. Thanks to world-wide donations, he is building safe, fenced enclosures for them. Volunteers sometimes help, but even on days when he works alone, he resolutely persists in his mission. He is seen here at the Zen Buddist Temple praying with friends for the deceased animals in the zone. I know that many of us around the world are praying for him!
This week, there are two contributors that I'd like to acknowledge...the first is an entrepreneurial musician who sold one of his hand-made guitar pedals on eBay with the purpose of donating the money he made to the Chip In Fund for Mr. Matsumura. Brad Davis, the owner of "Creepy Fingers Effects," raised $ 251.40 from this sale. When I asked Brad about his motivation behind the sale, he responded with these words, " I would just like to thank Mr. Matsumura for what he's doing. I love my dogs and I know that if I was forced to leave them behind I would wish for someone to do the same for them as he does for the animals in Fukushima." Well said, Brad...a personal statement to which many of us can relate! You can find Brad and see photos and videos of what he does with these guitar pedals here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Creepy-Fingers-Effects/116391141734461
The second contributor is Rebecca Dmytryk, the founder and CEO of Wild Rescue, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation group near Monterey, California. Back in February, Rebecca contacted me about how to send money to Mr. Matsumura, because she was so impressed with his work. She did some fund raising of her own, and just recently sent $635. to Mr. Matsumura's bank account via international wire. She wrote about this in her blog, and has agreed to have her blog and website mentioned here: http://wildrescue.blogspot.com/2012/05/donations-to-naoto-matsumura.html and http://www.wildrescue.org/Pages/ABOUT/About.html
Rebecca does amazing, award-winning work with animals, too. Thank you, Rebecca, for raising awareness of Mr. Matsumura, and for collecting funds for "his" animals, while you help rescue and care for wildlife in California.
I know many of you who have contributed have interesting personal stories, and I thank ALL of you who have donated. Just a reminder, either method of sending money - the Chip In Fund or international wire - is fine. My friend, Nancy Holohan, is managing the Chip In Fund now; she writes daily updates on Mr. Matsumura, and includes information about many other rescues/animal advocacy organizations in Japan. The Chip In Fund page, and her Facebook page are here: http://nancyholohan.chipin.com/mypages/view/id/fe7e8485b938c8a7
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naoto-Matsumura-Guardian-of-Fukushimas-Animals/182452015189991
Nanci Caron
Fundraiser Coordinator (in partnership with Nancy Holohan)
This week, there are two contributors that I'd like to acknowledge...the first is an entrepreneurial musician who sold one of his hand-made guitar pedals on eBay with the purpose of donating the money he made to the Chip In Fund for Mr. Matsumura. Brad Davis, the owner of "Creepy Fingers Effects," raised $ 251.40 from this sale. When I asked Brad about his motivation behind the sale, he responded with these words, " I would just like to thank Mr. Matsumura for what he's doing. I love my dogs and I know that if I was forced to leave them behind I would wish for someone to do the same for them as he does for the animals in Fukushima." Well said, Brad...a personal statement to which many of us can relate! You can find Brad and see photos and videos of what he does with these guitar pedals here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Creepy-Fingers-Effects/116391141734461
The second contributor is Rebecca Dmytryk, the founder and CEO of Wild Rescue, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation group near Monterey, California. Back in February, Rebecca contacted me about how to send money to Mr. Matsumura, because she was so impressed with his work. She did some fund raising of her own, and just recently sent $635. to Mr. Matsumura's bank account via international wire. She wrote about this in her blog, and has agreed to have her blog and website mentioned here: http://wildrescue.blogspot.com/2012/05/donations-to-naoto-matsumura.html and http://www.wildrescue.org/Pages/ABOUT/About.html
Rebecca does amazing, award-winning work with animals, too. Thank you, Rebecca, for raising awareness of Mr. Matsumura, and for collecting funds for "his" animals, while you help rescue and care for wildlife in California.
I know many of you who have contributed have interesting personal stories, and I thank ALL of you who have donated. Just a reminder, either method of sending money - the Chip In Fund or international wire - is fine. My friend, Nancy Holohan, is managing the Chip In Fund now; she writes daily updates on Mr. Matsumura, and includes information about many other rescues/animal advocacy organizations in Japan. The Chip In Fund page, and her Facebook page are here: http://nancyholohan.chipin.com/mypages/view/id/fe7e8485b938c8a7
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naoto-Matsumura-Guardian-of-Fukushimas-Animals/182452015189991
Nanci Caron
Fundraiser Coordinator (in partnership with Nancy Holohan)
May 12, 2012
"Ganbaru Fukushima"
Matsumura-san's journey as Guardian of Tomioka's animals continues to evolve! Along with several of his friends and coworkers from various backgrounds, he has formed an organization called "Ganbaru Fukushima," and it's official start was yesterday. Nathalie-Kyoko Stuckey announced this in her latest article here:
http://nathalieandkyoko.wordpress.com/2012/05/12/three-npos-help-matsumura-take-action-for-the-fukushima-cows/
I doubt if Matsumura-san anticipated being a fund raiser for his own NGO even a year ago, but here he is last week, preparing to talk to the crowds at an event in Yokosuka, Japan. At this event, he was greeted with enthusiasm by Mayor Yoshida of Yokosuko, and many attendees donated to Matsumura-san's cause. Two photo exhibits of animals left behind in the exclusion zone were on display for all to see.
As Nathalie says in her article, Mr. Matsumura will not be alone in his task anymore. It took almost a year for people to consider doing something about the animals and pets left behind the highly contaminated zone. “The government doesn’t help us, that’s why we have to take action by ourselves,” Matsumura said last February at a press conference in Tokyo. “Now, there are two other NPO supporting my work in the red zone, which is to look after the animals,” he said over the telephone this morning. (Thanks for this report, Nathalie!)
The other two NPO's mentioned are "Gattsu Fukushima,” and a newly formed group of the wonderful Buddhist Zen Kochi Temple monks in Nihonmatsu. The three organizations will work together on the “Kizuna Project” to help the livestock in the "zone."
For those who want to donate, please see the three possible ways you can contribute under my entry of May 5, 2012.
By the way, "Ganbaru" roughly translates to mean "stand firmly", "persevere," and "work hard"- all attributes that Mr. Matsumura exemplifies today, and has demonstrated since the evacuation of his town of Tomioka. He alone stayed behind to care for those who could not protest or plead for help...the animals. He continues his mission on a daily basis, and thankfully reports to be in good health. What a gift to humanity!
Nanci Caron
http://nathalieandkyoko.wordpress.com/2012/05/12/three-npos-help-matsumura-take-action-for-the-fukushima-cows/
I doubt if Matsumura-san anticipated being a fund raiser for his own NGO even a year ago, but here he is last week, preparing to talk to the crowds at an event in Yokosuka, Japan. At this event, he was greeted with enthusiasm by Mayor Yoshida of Yokosuko, and many attendees donated to Matsumura-san's cause. Two photo exhibits of animals left behind in the exclusion zone were on display for all to see.
As Nathalie says in her article, Mr. Matsumura will not be alone in his task anymore. It took almost a year for people to consider doing something about the animals and pets left behind the highly contaminated zone. “The government doesn’t help us, that’s why we have to take action by ourselves,” Matsumura said last February at a press conference in Tokyo. “Now, there are two other NPO supporting my work in the red zone, which is to look after the animals,” he said over the telephone this morning. (Thanks for this report, Nathalie!)
The other two NPO's mentioned are "Gattsu Fukushima,” and a newly formed group of the wonderful Buddhist Zen Kochi Temple monks in Nihonmatsu. The three organizations will work together on the “Kizuna Project” to help the livestock in the "zone."
For those who want to donate, please see the three possible ways you can contribute under my entry of May 5, 2012.
By the way, "Ganbaru" roughly translates to mean "stand firmly", "persevere," and "work hard"- all attributes that Mr. Matsumura exemplifies today, and has demonstrated since the evacuation of his town of Tomioka. He alone stayed behind to care for those who could not protest or plead for help...the animals. He continues his mission on a daily basis, and thankfully reports to be in good health. What a gift to humanity!
Nanci Caron
May 6, 2012
Latest update here about Matsumura-san's plan to start a non-profit organization! This article is written by Nathalie-Kyoko Stuckey: Thank you, Nathalie! This is encouraging news!
http://www.japansubculture.com/mr-matsumura-visits-tokyo-to-celebrate-a-nuclear-respite-in-japan/
March 6, 2012
Gwen and Homer
Before this weekend is over, I want to give a personal "shout out" to a special author and blogger, Gwen Cooper, for mentioning Mr. Matsumura on her website last week. Gwen, who writes about her lovable blind cat, Homer, has many loyal followers.....and they responded to her article with great enthusiasm! Her support - and the support of her followers - is greatly appreciated! Her article was responsible for hundreds of dollars of contributions to the chip in fund! Thank You, Gwen and Homer! Check out her website here and become a follower yourself...I have! http://www.gwencooper.com/index.php
Nanci Caron
Nanci Caron
May 5, 2012
Matsumura-san receives our letters, cards, and photos!
This is exciting! On April 20th, I let you all know that I had sent another batch of cards, letters, and photos to Matsumura-san, along with all the names of the most recent contributors to chip in fund. I also included all the countries you are from, so that he knows he has global support. Those of you who donated through checks or directly to his bank account (if I had that information) were also mentioned. Today I received these photos of him looking at those very letters and cards! The photos were taken by a volunteer at the Temple, where Matsumura gets his hay for the cows of Tomioka. He obviously enjoys the letters!
On the right in the photo below, sits Priest Yamamoto of the Zenkoji Temple in Nihonmatsu, Japan. This young monk has been instrumental with helping Mr. Matsumura build fencing for the cows in Tomioka. They have a blog of their own here: http://ameblo.jp/fukushimakachikusos/ Lots of photos on that blog, and some English translation, too.
The letter he is reading here is my explanation of Bob and Jen's bake sale - held in his honor! Other cards, letters and photos from that same package surround him! (And yes, Bob and Jen, I sent him your wonderful photo!) Many thanks to ALL of you who have written!
Do you want to send a personal card, letter of support, or photo to Mr. Matsumura? I can help you with that....you may mail them to me, and I will include them in the next package I send to him. My contact person at the Temple will help with translations.
Some donors have also sent checks to me, and those funds have been wired, along with the Chip In contributions. Remember, there are 3 ways to donate...directly to his personal bank account (see my entry below dated April 22nd), or with a check sent to me, or through the Chip In Fund here: http://nancyholohan.chipin.com/mypages/view/id/fe7e8485b938c8a7
If you want to email me, it's: [email protected]
Thank you!
Nanci Caron, P.O. Box 7021, Napa, CA 94558 (fund raiser for Mr. Matsumura)
May 2, 2012
The new Chip In Page for Mr. Matsumura is here: http://nancyholohan.chipin.com/mypages/view/id/fe7e8485b938c8a7
While the Chip In fund has had tremendous success, the work load has increased! My partner, Nancy Holohan, has graciously offered to take over the management of the fund. She will keep everyone updated on Mr. Matsumura and his activities via her fabulous Facebook page, and I will continue to post updates on this page, too! Please check in from time to time for photos and information on Mr. Matsumura, and his dedication to the animals of Tomioka. We continue to be committed to helping him!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naoto-Matsumura-Guardian-of-Fukushimas-Animals/182452015189991?sk=info#!/pages/Naoto-Matsumura-Guardian-of-Fukushimas-Animals/182452015189991
The new Chip In Page for Mr. Matsumura is here: http://nancyholohan.chipin.com/mypages/view/id/fe7e8485b938c8a7
While the Chip In fund has had tremendous success, the work load has increased! My partner, Nancy Holohan, has graciously offered to take over the management of the fund. She will keep everyone updated on Mr. Matsumura and his activities via her fabulous Facebook page, and I will continue to post updates on this page, too! Please check in from time to time for photos and information on Mr. Matsumura, and his dedication to the animals of Tomioka. We continue to be committed to helping him!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naoto-Matsumura-Guardian-of-Fukushimas-Animals/182452015189991?sk=info#!/pages/Naoto-Matsumura-Guardian-of-Fukushimas-Animals/182452015189991
April 27, 2012
A big High-Five to this group of coworkers from a company called Waste Management in Ontario! They came up with their own unique way to raise money for Matsumura-san. The organizer of the bunch, Roxanne Soper, describes "Jean Day!"
"I heard about Naoto from listening to the news on Howard Stern. I googled him for more information and was in tears reading about his heroism, selflessness and love for animals. I was instantly moved and knew I had to help. All I could think about is all those poor animals left behind and my own dog, whom without doubt is a member of family not simply a pet. I felt like how can I not know about this? How can they do that? Why are the animals not allowed to leave? I felt so far removed and helpless. I wouldn’t, couldn’t accept this. Overcome with emotion, I brought the story to the attention of my co-workers and we decided to donate. Since we work in a corporate environment, we have a business casual dress code. With our Managers approval we decide to make every Wednesday of April Jean Day. For a $2 donation we were able to wear jeans and dress down for the day. It was an instant success and were able to raise $ 221.25!!! What a difference 2 dollars and a pair of jeans can make. I want to thank Naoto for his generosity, strength and for making a stand for being a voice for those who cannot speak."
To Roxanne and her generous coworkers...I want to thank ALL of YOU, (and your managers for supporting this idea). Way to go, folks! Talk about raising awareness AND raising money! THIS is how it's done! The whole idea of chipping in, donating, and doing something together for a cause is what it's all about. I will be sending this photo and a copy of your letter to Mr. Matsumura, Roxanne. He is NOT alone...we are with him in spirit. Blessings to the bunch of you!
Nanci Caron
Coordinator of the Chip In Fund for Naoto Matsumura
A big High-Five to this group of coworkers from a company called Waste Management in Ontario! They came up with their own unique way to raise money for Matsumura-san. The organizer of the bunch, Roxanne Soper, describes "Jean Day!"
"I heard about Naoto from listening to the news on Howard Stern. I googled him for more information and was in tears reading about his heroism, selflessness and love for animals. I was instantly moved and knew I had to help. All I could think about is all those poor animals left behind and my own dog, whom without doubt is a member of family not simply a pet. I felt like how can I not know about this? How can they do that? Why are the animals not allowed to leave? I felt so far removed and helpless. I wouldn’t, couldn’t accept this. Overcome with emotion, I brought the story to the attention of my co-workers and we decided to donate. Since we work in a corporate environment, we have a business casual dress code. With our Managers approval we decide to make every Wednesday of April Jean Day. For a $2 donation we were able to wear jeans and dress down for the day. It was an instant success and were able to raise $ 221.25!!! What a difference 2 dollars and a pair of jeans can make. I want to thank Naoto for his generosity, strength and for making a stand for being a voice for those who cannot speak."
To Roxanne and her generous coworkers...I want to thank ALL of YOU, (and your managers for supporting this idea). Way to go, folks! Talk about raising awareness AND raising money! THIS is how it's done! The whole idea of chipping in, donating, and doing something together for a cause is what it's all about. I will be sending this photo and a copy of your letter to Mr. Matsumura, Roxanne. He is NOT alone...we are with him in spirit. Blessings to the bunch of you!
Nanci Caron
Coordinator of the Chip In Fund for Naoto Matsumura
April 22, 2012
Would you prefer to donate directly to the same account that I use to send international wires to Mr. Matsumura? I recently received permission from him (through my contact in Japan) to publish this information. Please remember that there are bank fees associated with these wires, so it may still make financial sense for you to use the Chip In Fund, unless you are making a larger donation. Sending a wire to Japan can cost about $35.00 at most banks. Remember to send the money in YEN, should you choose to do it this way. Thank you!
Beneficiary Name: Ganbaru Fukushima
Beneficiary Account Number: 644994
Beneficiary Bank Name: Toho Bank, the Asaka Branch
Beneficiary Bank Address: 1-143-1 Asaka, Koriyama City, Fukushima, Japan
Swift Code (routing number): TOHOJPJT
Would you prefer to donate directly to the same account that I use to send international wires to Mr. Matsumura? I recently received permission from him (through my contact in Japan) to publish this information. Please remember that there are bank fees associated with these wires, so it may still make financial sense for you to use the Chip In Fund, unless you are making a larger donation. Sending a wire to Japan can cost about $35.00 at most banks. Remember to send the money in YEN, should you choose to do it this way. Thank you!
Beneficiary Name: Ganbaru Fukushima
Beneficiary Account Number: 644994
Beneficiary Bank Name: Toho Bank, the Asaka Branch
Beneficiary Bank Address: 1-143-1 Asaka, Koriyama City, Fukushima, Japan
Swift Code (routing number): TOHOJPJT
April 20, 2012
It's been a year since the Japanese government created the exclusion zone after the triple disaster of March, 2011. Since then, Mr. Matsumura has been dedicated to his mission to help the animals in his town. To those who have donated, we have shown our support with not only money, but also with comments, cards, letters, blogs, articles, emails, Facebook posts, and more. Here is a photo collage of some of my most recent cards and letters with names, and comments from the Chip In Fund contributors; these have all been mailed to my contact in Japan for Mr. Matsumura to read. We know he spends much time alone, but many of us are with him in spirit.
It's been a year since the Japanese government created the exclusion zone after the triple disaster of March, 2011. Since then, Mr. Matsumura has been dedicated to his mission to help the animals in his town. To those who have donated, we have shown our support with not only money, but also with comments, cards, letters, blogs, articles, emails, Facebook posts, and more. Here is a photo collage of some of my most recent cards and letters with names, and comments from the Chip In Fund contributors; these have all been mailed to my contact in Japan for Mr. Matsumura to read. We know he spends much time alone, but many of us are with him in spirit.
April 14, 2012
A message to all the contributors to the Chip In Fund for Mr. Matsumura:
Your generosity is sincerely appreciated! This last month was a memorable one for me, as coordinator of the Fund. Donations, letters, photos, and comments came in daily from all over the world! I sent out letters with everyone's name and the country they live in - along with a copies of your posted comments - to Mr. Matsumura, in care of the Mayumi, (my contact person in Japan) who will translate and read these letters to him. Later, she will deliver them to Mr. Matsumura personally. I also received confirmation from Mr. Matsumura, through Mayumi, that all the wired money has reached his account in Japan, and is being used for the care of the animals of Tomioka. He sends his "immense gratitude!"
While I do take the time to thank each one of you personally by email, I also want to acknowledge you here for your willingness to contribute not only your money, but also your time and effort to raise awareness, which is very important!
For example, here is Bob and Jen from southern California. Moved by the story of Mr. Matsumura, they held a bake sale to raise money to donate to the Chip In Fund. Bob is a cookie maker, and from the looks of those cookies, I bet they were delicious! Jen is an animal advocate; she came up with the idea. Good job, you guys! This is compassion in action! I am very inspired by their motivation, initiative, and creativity!
I don't know Bob and Jen personally, but I would love to meet them!
In fact, all of you who have contributed share a common passion....helping a man in Japan who is caring for so many animals that would not have otherwise survived during the last year. Together, we have made a difference. I wish I could meet you all....it would be a wonderful, eclectic, global gathering of like minds and hearts!
For those of you who do Facebook, you can follow frequent updates on Mr. Matsumura, links to blogs, articles, and other rescue groups here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naoto-Matsumura-Guardian-of-Fukushimas-Animals/182452015189991?sk=info#!/pages/Naoto-Matsumura-Guardian-of-Fukushimas-Animals/182452015189991
And yes, for those who asked....the fund raiser will continue....thank you for all the encouragement directed to me, too!
With heartfelt gratitude,
Nanci Caron
Coordinator of the Chip In Fund for Naoto Matsumura
March 17, 2012
Our donations are arriving at Mr. Matsumura's bank, where he has set up a special account for the care of the animals. He confirmed this yesterday through a phone call to our contact person in Japan. He sends his DEEPEST GRATITUDE to all of us who have contributed. "We" are people from all over the WORLD; the Chip In Fund's growth reflects our belief in this man's mission. "Arigato" from Matsumura-san!
Our donations are arriving at Mr. Matsumura's bank, where he has set up a special account for the care of the animals. He confirmed this yesterday through a phone call to our contact person in Japan. He sends his DEEPEST GRATITUDE to all of us who have contributed. "We" are people from all over the WORLD; the Chip In Fund's growth reflects our belief in this man's mission. "Arigato" from Matsumura-san!
March 9th, 2012
The One Year Anniversary of the triple disaster is upon us. Will you please take a moment to reflect on the continued plight of the Japanese people who have suffered so many losses?
Meanwhile, Mr. Matsumura continues to reside inside the exclusion zone, caring for animals, and doing all HE can do to raise awareness; he has asked for our help......
March 3, 2012
Greetings, fellow contributors to the Chip In Fund for Mr. Matsumura – and to those who support us by raising awareness:
As the one year anniversary of the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and melt-down of the nuclear power plant in Japan looms large, I’ve taken some time to remind myself of the broader perspective of the ongoing problems that have resulted from that triple disaster. May I encourage you to do the same? There are numerous articles, videos, blogs, Facebook pages, TV shows, movies, and more that are available to keep us educated and informed. Let us keep in mind, that as we move forward to raise money for one man’s mission in Tomioka, thousands continue to live in makeshift housing after being evacuated, and suffering the losses of family, friends, livelihood. Japan’s rebuilding will go on for a very long time, and many lives have been changed forever.
Mr. Matsumura is a “voice” that is beginning to be heard more widely. On February 27th, the day after he received our first presentation of our donations by Anne Thomas and her friend, Mayumi, he went to TEPCO headquarters to beg for help for his deteriorating town, the animals there, and the people who are still living in evacuation centers. The following day, he attended a conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Tokyo, where he also pleaded for help. Here is a 10 minute You Tube video of his talk at that conference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAaQkUoh4wU
When the conference was over, he visited with reporters and journalists. One of the journalists took these photos and sent them to me. Notice that Mr. Matsumura has displayed some of the letters, cards, signatures, and gifts that many of you sent, through me, to him. He is obviously uplifted by our emotional support, as well as by our financial contributions. I thank each and every one of you who signed these letters and cards! Along with the letters of support, he is displaying a handmade gift that I sent along, a little personalized paw plaque. May they all continue to serve as reminders that he does not walk alone through Tomioka…that many of us care and walk with him in spirit. (photos above)
My dear friend, Anne Thomas, has released the following essay (with photos) of the experience of meeting Mr. Matsumura, and has invited me to share it. Please read it here:
Dear Family and Friends.doc
I hear that Mr. Matsumura is back in Tomioka now, tending to the pets and livestock in the cold and snow. His mission continues, and his voice will not be silenced. I promised him I would also continue to raise awareness, as well as money. Will you please help me do that as this one year anniversary approaches? Please share his story with friends and others. Please support the cause to help the Japanese people rebuild and renew their lives in any way you can.
Meanwhile, if you missed this one hour documentary about an inside look on the TEPCO nuclear meltdown, it is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAaQkUoh4wU
Thank you one and all,
Nanci Caron
Feb 27, 2012
Dear Contributors to the Chip In Fund for Mr. Matsumura and the Animals of Tomioka:
As promised, Mr. Naoto Matsumura met with Anne Thomas, and her friend, Mayumi, on Feb. 26th for an interview. He received many cards, letters, and gifts from contributors to the Chip In Fund; I had mailed them to Anne, and she personally handed them to him. He also received a portion of the Chip In Fund - in cash! He had not been aware of the details of these fund raising efforts until this meeting, and he was overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation. I was honored to speak with all three - Anne, Mayumi, and Mr. Matsumura, while they enjoyed lunch in a cafe near Tomioka.
To those who have already donated, please share these photos with friends, and help us spread the word about this ongoing fund raiser. Also, please help us RAISE AWARENESS of the continued plight of the animals and people in Fukushima...recovery is slow and painful, but hopeful! Your letters of support will continue to be sent to Mr. Matsumura, as will the money from the Chip In Fund. I wanted you all to see these photos, and know that a connection has been made, and that YOUR contributions are ALREADY making a difference!
A huge thank you to my family members, friends, colleagues, fellow pet professionals, fellow "Paws for Healing" volunteers, distant acquaintances, etc.... and to the animal-loving friends and contributors - from all over the globe - for making this dream a reality! You have all dug into your pockets for "coffee money," and more....and have helped make the world a better place for this man and "his" animals.
Mr. Matsumura learns about the Chip In Fund and some of the contributors,
Anne Thomas was taking the photos. Mayumi, (below) acting as translator,
showed Mr. Matsumura the website for the Chip-In Fund. Messages of support and encouragement the contributors wrote to him were shared in his language...
Some cash is delivered! Mr. Matsumura is delighted, and promises it will be put to good use! "THANK YOU, EVERYONE!!!"
PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO DONATE TO NAOTO MATSUMURA - A FUND RAISER ORGANIZED BY NANCI CARON:
http://nancicaron.chipin.com/mypages/view/id/0ad8c4c959314a80
http://nancicaron.chipin.com/mypages/view/id/0ad8c4c959314a80