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Message From the Chairperson
It is my great pleasure to present
to you once again the annual report of Peace Winds
Japan(PWJ), summing up our activities during the last fiscal year, 2004. Firstly,
I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to you for
the support and cooperation you have so kindly given to us.
2004 turned out to be a year in which we found ourselves forced to recognize the
horror of largescale earthquakes. Many people lost, in an instant, their lives,
or the foundations of their lives, not only in Japan but also elsewhere in the
world. I cannot forget the sight of victims of the Sumatra Earthquake, standing
forlornly, at a complete loss, their families and homes washed away by the tidal
waves at the end of last year.
While being acutely aware of human helplessness in the face of the forces of nature,
PWJ exerted its maximum efforts to help the earthquake victims regain hope for
the future as quickly as possible. PWJ also launched relief activities within
Japan for the first time following the Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake in October,
2004. We supplied and managed shelters for the victims, taking advantage of our
abundant overseas experience. Although our contribution is tiny when compared
with the colossal size of the disaster, it is our belief that many small efforts
will combine together to create one great response.
During 2004, PWJ also expanded its relief activities in such areas as the Middle
East, Africa and Asia, in addition to our work in the earthquake-stricken regions.
At the same time, we stepped up our public relations activities to raise the interest
of the general public in the need for relief efforts. Terrorism and attacks remain
rampant in Iraq and Afghanistan. Safety has not been secured even for civilian
aid organizations. While exercising the utmost care to ensure the safety of our
staff members, PWJ is determined to continue its effort to deliver your support
to these areas.
PWJ, which used to be described as a young organization, will, thanks to your
assistance, celebrate its 10th anniversary in February 2006. It is my intention
to carefully look back over our relief activities, carried out in areas of conflict
in various parts of the world, since PWJ's first operation began in Iraq. Based
on this reflection, we will move forwards toward the realization of our aims with
renewed determination. I am most grateful to you for your continued support.
Masaru Ishibashi
Chairperson, Peace Winds Japan
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