In the wake of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, food and non-food items distributed by AAR Japan with JTI Foundation support, found their way to some 1,400 disabled and elderly survivors of the disaster, and others displaced from their homes. Among the goods distributed were daily necessities such as water, fruits, vegetables, winter clothing, cleaning items, washing machines, backup power generators, household electronics, and electric blankets.
In addition, AAR Japan provided 12 vehicles fitted with wheelchair lifts to ten welfare facilities. These were used mainly for the transportation of victims to and from hospitals and their homes. In total, AAR Japan was able to reach approximately 20,000 survivors in Miyagi and Iwate prefectures.
Among other achievements, the program saw AAR Japan and the JTI Foundation providing elderly gardeners from Onagawa city with land, gardening tools and fertilizer – allowing them to return to a favorite pastime.
Meanwhile, the Kesennuma Shougaisha Seikatsu Shien Center, which provides care to the disabled, had its office destroyed, and two of their three vehicles washed away by the tsunami. With two new cars provided by the program, staff were able to make approximately 600 visits per month to the region’s disabled and their families, delivering essential support and care to those who needed it most.
OVER 20 YEARS OF INVESTMENT IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES
Countries where we have supported our partners’ work in response to a growing range of threats to life and livelihood
Million USD invested since 2001 to help communities better prepare for – and recover from – natural and man-made disasters
Projects addressing a broad range of challenges, including mine-clearance, emergency shelter, resilient housing solutions and capacity building
