Friday, January 13, 2012
“this is the best form of rehab’ I could ever do!” Volunteer interview No.8: John Wood
Our volunteer interview No. 8 features John Wood. The interviewer this time is Kuniyoshi Oguri from the previous interview.
How old were you when you started volunteering? What volunteer activity did you do?
Five years old. I assisted my mother with preparing food parcels which were sent to missionaries working overseas in India, Thailand and such places. I remember going to the warehouse to help choose the goods, packing the parcels at home and going to the Post Office. Forty years later here I am at 2HJ sometimes helping prepare food parcels for the Tohoku earthquake victims and others in need.
What is the general attitude or feeling about volunteering in New Zealand?
It is definitely encouraged and viewed as a positive activity. There are many volunteer organisations to choose from, but sadly too many people in need of help and not enough volunteers. I was lucky to be brought up in a home with a strong sense of social justice and I was always aware that there were many people worse off than me. In particular, my mother and grandmother were actively involved with volunteer community work, so some of this must have rubbed off on me.
What does volunteering mean to you in your life?
Giving something back to a country (Japan) that I love and which has blessed me with so much. Volunteering at 2HJ has brought more of a balance to my life and I feel like I’m a better person for it. After a 20 year career in banking, which was all about taking, it makes a nice change to be giving.
How did you find out about 2HJ, what made you volunteer and what have you been doing at 2HJ ?
Two years ago while playing with my children in Ueno Park, by chance, I saw 2HJ’s soup kitchen in action. I was genuinely shocked at how many homeless people were queuing for food. I made a promise to my children and myself that I would somehow help 2HJ. After many months of procrastinating, I contacted 2HJ and became a volunteer. I have been lucky to be able to re-schedule other commitments in order to be free to volunteer for a full day most Fridays, a decision which I have no regrets about. Mostly I am involved with the soup kitchen preparation but I’ve also been a driver’s assistant and sometimes help with food parcels and loading/unloading trucks. If something heavy needs lifting, invariably it will find its way to me! At the end of each Friday’s volunteer session, I like nothing more than to sooth any sore muscles with a bath at a nearby sento - a wonderful feeling of contentment and being at peace with oneself after an honest day’s work.
Could you share your lasting impressions you have and things you have learned about your experiences at 2HJ?
I will always remember the first job I did at the soup kitchen; breaking up slabs of mochi into square cakes. Why? Because I have a hereditary condition which has resulted in two crooked fingers. I had been having hospital rehab’ for many months without any noticeable effect, which left me feeling frustrated. As soon as I started breaking up the mochi, I could feel some power return to my fingers and I thought to myself “this is the best form of rehab’ I could ever do”.
I can never forget working underneath the train tracks at 2HJ on 11th March 2011 when the big earthquake struck. Sure there was a sense of panic amongst us volunteers, but it also felt like we were all in this together and as a result I think the regular volunteers are now even closer than before. 2HJ’s fast response to this disaster and the hive of activity in the months that followed was incredible. The outpouring of generosity by way of donations and people volunteering was beyond what I imagined possible.
It has also been a great experience to meet many volunteers from all over the world, even if only for one session. Every Friday I have no idea what I am going to be asked to do and who I might meet - working at 2HJ is always a highlight of my week.
Do you have any suggestions to make 2HJ activities better?
Not that I can think of. 2HJ are doing a great job and I’m enjoying being part of this worthy cause.
Do you have any message to Japanese young people about volunteering?
Don’t procrastinate, just do it, if only once. The happiness that it will bring you will outweigh any sacrifice you might have to make. The younger you start, the better. My youngest son is looking forward to being old enough to be a volunteer at 2HJ. I once brought my 12 year old son to 2HJ to help with food parcel preparation, an idea he wasn’t so keen on at first, but at the end of the session he said “Dad, that was fun. I want to go to 2HJ again”.
Please also check out disaster relief blog!
Second Harvest Japan Disaster Relief Report
Link to News story »
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Volunteer interview No.7: Kuniyoshi Oguri
Our volunteer interview No. 7 features Kuniyoshi Oguri. The interviewer this time is Yuko Sakaue from the previous interview.
What made you decide to volunteer at 2HJ?
After the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake in 1995, I had strong urge to do something for those suffering. Dr. Junko Umihara, a psychosomatic physician, says in one of her books, “Anybody does something about their own pain. I hope that many people can feel others’ pain like their own and do something for them.” This inspired me to volunteer for others. When I had a full-time job, my volunteering was irregular, but occasional volunteering gave me many learning experiences. I learned about Second Harvest Japan (2HJ) in the media some years ago and wanted to volunteer there. After I retired, I contacted 2HJ to ask for a volunteer opportunity, and they welcomed me right away. This is how I started volunteering at 2HJ. Now I have been volunteering at 2HJ for a year and a half and am very happy to be helpful to others.
What do you actually do at 2HJ?
I go pick up bread with close expiration dates, rice, fruits and vegetables partly damaged during packing from foreign hypermarkets and other donor companies. After removing damaged parts, I load the food into a 2HJ’s truck, drive to social welfare agencies or churches, and unload the food they need. Also, we often have food already at 2HJ’s office before picking up food from somewhere, and I deliver them to the agencies as well.
How did you feel, when you saw, for the first time, a lot of good food that would have gone to waste?
I heard that 500 to 900 million tons of food are wasted every year in Japan. The amount of food I can salvage at 2HJ is one ten-thousandth of it. It is as small as a grain of sand in the seashore. But it is not zero, and even one grain can make somebody happy. I think that is still meaningful. I feel this way because of what I learned from my volunteer experiences in Kobe. The volunteer leader there once said to us that “What you are doing is only a ray of light. But when each ray bunches up together, they can light the survivors and give them hope.” His words removed my ambivalence that my volunteering was a self-indulgence and encouraged me to continue volunteering afterwards.
What impressed you so far at 2HJ?
There are countless things. But the most impressive thing among them is an encounter with Ota-san (an interviewee of the interview No. 4), who kindly taught me basics of volunteering in my early days at 2HJ. He genially says, “Thank you for your continuous donations” or “Thank you” with a smile over and over again not only to donors, but also to recipient agencies. I believe, saying thank-you is a good thing in general, but I wondered why he was thankful even to recipient agencies. When I asked Ota-san about this, he answered, “We cannot deliver food to every recipient in need by ourselves. Only with the help from agencies who pass food along to hundreds of recipients, the 2HJ’s mission can be achieved. That is why I want to say thank-you to them.” His explanation satisfied me. I felt even more encouraged by it. He also gave me advice like what time people at agencies take a lunch break, how we should handle food donations, and what kind of people are coming to the agencies to pick up food. For example, we try to deliver soft bread to agencies with many elderly clients. His advice was full of thoughtfulness, and I felt that his thoughtfulness relates to the spirit of 2HJ. People at this recipient church which functions as a hub of the food delivery pray on a previous day of our delivery that food with a long shelf life like rice will be delivered. Knowing this, I can share their happiness when we receive a good amount of food with a long shelf life.
As a volunteer driver I have many opportunities to meet different people; sisters from overseas at a recipient church were helping foreigners who couldn’t communicate in Japanese at places like a court and an immigration office. I heard one of 2HJ’s volunteers decided to go to a driving school so that he can drive a large truck. Many foreign travelers volunteered too, even though their stay in Japan is short.
One time, there was a shopping cart full of bread left outside for us at a donor hypermarket. When it started raining, staff people there put a cardboard to cover the bread. The thoughtfulness touched my heart.
Has your volunteer experience at 2HJ made any change in yourself?
I had already been in the habit of volunteering at 2HJ, but, in September, I came across a book, The Challenge of Food Banking: Between Poverty and Plenty, written by Etsuko Ohara and published by Iwanami Shoten. The book is about the philosophy of Charles, the founder of 2HJ, the history of their activities, struggles, achievements, and challenges. Reading the book enabled me to better understand the whole picture of 2HJ.
At a different volunteer place, this person said to me, “Even if you think it is good for others, it does not necessarily mean people will agree with you. But the longer you are committed, the more likely good outcomes show up.” I think Ohara’s book carries the same message.
What do you hope will become of food banking?
I hope that food banking will grow more and more. I believe that many people feel the same way. The more food banking grows, the more people will be able to find a hope. But this can demand more workloads and even higher quality of works for 2HJ members. A box of relief supplies sent to Tohoku weighs more than 20 kilograms. Often they load 300 boxes, and they are very heavy. I want volunteers to take a good care of themselves. Also, even if food banking expands a lot, I hope that thoughtfulness, heart, and communication will remain as their core values as they are now.
I hope more people embrace the achievements and trust 2HJ’s pioneers like Charles created in the past and the greatness of the hard work of those staff members and volunteers in Tohoku. Also, I hope the network of those who share the spirit of food banking will grow steadily.
Oguri (left) and a fellow volunteer, Suzuki
Please also check out disaster relief blog!
Second Harvest Japan Disaster Relief Report
Link to News story »
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Volunteer interview No.6: Yuko Sakaue
For the sixth interview of our series of Volunteer to Volunteer Interviews, Ryoma Kobayashi, interviewee of the last interview, asks Yuko Sakaue about her volunteer experience at 2HJ.
1. Why did you start volunteering at 2HJ?
I wanted to make a social contribution for a long time, but I couldn’t get such a chance, because I had a full-time job. One day I heard about 2HJ and was impressed with its meaning; the second time of harvesting foods that would otherwise be doomed to go to waste. Until then I didn’t know about foodbank, and I was surprised that there was such an organization. Also, I learned that 2HJ was expanding its activities and spreading an idea of foodbank. I immediately wanted to get involved in its activities and wasted no time in applying for volunteer work at 2HJ. Many Japanese people might think that having an excess is better than having a shortage and that ending up having leftovers is no problem. I sometimes encounter such a situation, and I think that something is wrong with it. Considering that there’s an excess of foods in Japan, whereas some people cannot afford to buy enough foods for different reasons, 2HJ’s way of supporting those in need is quite suitable in the current Japanese situation. A very meaningful activity indeed.
2. What do you usually do at 2HJ?
I’ve been volunteering at 2HJ for over 2 years. At first I helped with Saturday soup kitchen. Later, I started helping with the Harvest Pantry program, where we send out food packages to households, mostly to refugees and single mothers, and hand over them to those who come to 2HJ. Now I help with the program twice a month. Saturday soup kitchen and the Harvest Pantry program are similar in that they both provide foods for those in need, but they are different in another way. Running a soup kitchen takes a lot of time in its preparation and many volunteers. On the other hand, at the Harvest Pantry program you have relatively enough time to think about recipients. This is one of its attractions for me. I enjoy choosing foods for each recipient, taking it into account that what sort of and how much of foods would suit best the number of each recipient household, their ethnicity, and their preference.
3. What aspect of the Harvest Pantry program is enjoyable or interesting to you?
Seeing recipients smiling makes me happy. Some of the recipients come to 2HJ, and we hand over foods to them. Everybody naturally grins in front of different kinds of foods. I think that foods have great natural power to calm and heal people. Nobody is unhappy, when they are full up. I sometimes run around in the pantry, because I want to see every recipient smiling and satisfy their needs. When they say, “Thank you”, with a smile to us, I respond by saying back to them, “Thank you for coming to 2HJ all the way” and feel happy. This wonderful interaction between recipients and volunteers by means of foods is another attraction of 2HJ’s activities. If I may digress, I’m a salesperson for an advertising company, and pressured to make profits everyday. The most important thing is, of course, to make profits. Honestly, I find such an idea hard to swallow. In 2HJ’s activities, on the contrary, there exist no tangible “profit” and “return”. That is very comfortable for me, and it helps me maintain a balance in daily life. Now volunteering at 2HJ is an important part of my life.
4. What do you think can be improved about 2HJ?
Nothing in particular! LOL Lots of people are involved in the activities, so there would be some inconveniences or problems. But we all voluntarily commit ourselves to the activities and we’re independent. I think that volunteer work has been organized more and more efficiently. I’m always supported by other volunteers. I can do only a little, but I always feel satisfied, when we finish our job. If I was allowed to say a word… If only we could wash plates inside, not outside. I have to confess that I’m sometimes daunted in midsummer and midwinter. LOL
5. Do you have any message to those who cannot yet make up their minds if they volunteer?
Try not just one volunteer work, but some, then opportunities will expand. And you can find the best match for you among them. I started out as a soup kitchen volunteer, and now I’m involved in the Harvest Pantry program. Volunteer work at 2HJ is well organized, and meeting volunteers with different backgrounds is certainly an attraction. They are at different ages and have different jobs. They are all really friendly and affable. You can receive a lot by donating some of your precious time. You’ll have an enjoyable and meaningful experience.
Translated by Hiroto Nagaoka
If you like this story, you might also enjoy:
2HJ in the news article of a Japanese lady’s efforts to send allergy-free food to the disaster area
Volunteer interview No.5: Ryoma Kobayashi
Link to News story »
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Introducing 2HJ’s New Volunteer Leader
2HJ welcomed its new volunteer coordinator, Sachiko Ashman, in May 2010. As we’re sure our volunteers will be working a lot with her, we’re introducing her here with a simple interview.
“I want to create a fun and free atmosphere for all volunteers”: 2HJ Volunteer Coordinator Sachiko Ashman
Q: How did you find out about 2HJ?
I somehow found out about foodbanking in the U.S., and while watching YouTube videos of actual activities in different places, I saw a spot video by 2HJ. Even though it wasn’t a particularly original video, it impacted me a great deal. After watching it, I immediately visited 2HJ’s home page. I thought, “There’s an organization that’s passionate about foodbanking even in Japan!” and read every bit of the website. After that, I would sometimes take a look at news about their activities, and gradually, the idea, “I want to join 2HJ’s activities as a volunteer,” became stronger and stronger. This was three years ago.
Q: Why did you get interested in 2HJ’s activities?
Of course I felt a sense of connection to many of their activities, but even before that, I really felt that 2HJ’s philosophy and activities were true. I could feel the passion of the people involved, the warmth of their spirit, and the strength of their energy as they moved in the direction they’re seeking. Their unshakable conviction was something that transcended distance and time. I wondered why I felt as if I had met kindred spirits even though I was in London at the time.
Q: What do you want to accomplish as a volunteer coordinator?
I want to work hard to preserve the fun atmosphere created by Charles, the staff and the volunteer coordinators before me so everyone (volunteers and staff) can enjoy the activities freely and easily. Besides that, my major goal is to create new activities that show gratitude to the community where 2HJ has its base and make the entire area healthy. My minor goal is to have a project that makes compost from the large amount of vegetable scraps that are produced by the Friday and Saturday activities every week.
Sachiko lived in England before becoming 2HJ’s volunteer coordinator this year. Her international outlook will serve 2HJ well. All volunteers, please continue to give her your warm support!
If you like this story, you might also enjoy:
Volunteer interview No. 3: Sanoko Uegaki
2HJ’s new video: “Thank you very much for your support!”
Voice from our clients - No.1: Asian People’s Friendship Society
Link to News story »
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Volunteer interview No.5
For the fifth interview of our series of Volunteer to Volunteer Interviews, Jun Ota interviewed Ryoma Kobayashi who volunteers on Fridays for our soup-kitchen preparation.
Q: What motivated you to volunteer at 2HJ?
I thought about volunteering, because I felt guilty for throwing out food at my part-time job. At this job, we sometimes threw away as much as four big trash bags of food. After experiencing this a few times, I started feeling I should do something to reduce food waste. Wondering what I could do, I remembered 2HJ. I knew of 2HJ because I took a class at my university from Mr. McJilton, executive director of 2HJ.
Kobayashi is sauteeing carrots with his great smile.
Q: What do you exactly do when you volunteer at 2HJ?
Friday mornings I go with a 2HJ driver to pick up food from a food donor to help load the van. In the afternoon, I help chop vegetables for 2HJ’s soup kitchen activity. I enjoy it because I get to chat with other volunteers. I come to volunteer every Friday.
Q: What was your impression when you first volunteered?
This was my first experience volunteering. It’s more fun than I had expected. Also, since there are many volunteers from foreign countries, I can use this as a time to learn English. As an English major student, this is the perfect place for me to practice English. However, I have to admit that what we actually do is rather simple. We just chop veggies together, wash dishes, and that’s all for Fridays! But since we work very close to each other, we get to know each other well. It’s a lot of fun chatting with other volunteers and staff members. Everybody has a background and a different story to tell. It’s anything but boring. As a college student, if I were not volunteering at 2HJ, I don’t think I would have met so many people from such different backgrounds. It’s wonderful that I get to build relationships with people through working together.
Q: How did volunteering affect your life?
I realized that “there are benefits of being a volunteer.” It can be beneficial to you when you volunteer your time for free. For instance, you can meet different people through volunteer activities. You are more likely to meet people who share the same interests. That’s because nonprofits such as 2HJ are gatherings of people who have similar concerns. I think it’s close to participating in hobby clubs. Volunteering is a great opportunity to belong to something like a college club. This is what I realized since I started volunteered at 2HJ.
“Hope this tastes good”
Q: As a volunteer, what do you think are some of the challenges that 2HJ faces?
There must be organizational challenges that are not visible from a volunteer’s perspective. Regarding volunteer activities, I think there are several challenges 2HJ faces. But those challenges might be closely linked to what is good about 2HJ.
For example, many people point out that the equipments and facility are not sufficient for soup kitchen preparations. But since we don’t have enough equipment, we need more people. I mean, when you see it differently, this lets more people participate in this activity and work together. We also cook outside facing pedestrians, which is literally an open environment for talking. It gives us an opportunity to mingle with each other. If we had a convenient sink where one person could get the work done, we would need less volunteers. Work would get more efficient, but it would be a pity to lose the charm of working with other volunteers. So, I don’t think making things more convenient always brings better outcomes. With that said, I do wish we had hot water! Washing dishes with cold water in the winter is very hard.
Q: How do you see the future of foodbanking?
I hope there will be more food banks in Japan. I think the demand is certainly there. So, I believe the number of food banks will increase in the future. With more cooperating relationships between food banks, they can share knowledge, which would increase trust from corporations. I imagine 2HJ staff are already thinking about how to build this cooperation. Also, I think it’s important to expand the scale of 2HJ. I really hope for 2HJ to continue to thrive.
Interviewer’s Note
I often spend time with Kobayashi-san when picking up food from donor companies and delivering them to 2HJ’s member agencies. I am very impressed how this college student with a very busy schedule, continuously manages to find time to be a very active volunteer. He is very open and cheerful, and since he is good at English, he creates a good atmosphere for Japanese and non-Japanese volunteers alike.
He is in his senior year as a collage student since this April, and is currently busy with schoolwork as well as his search for his job after graduation. (Are you an HR manager? I recommend Kobayashi-san to your company!) I expect that he will bring out his best in various fields in his future.
If you like this story, you might also enjoy:
Volunteer interview No.3: Kanoko Uegaki
2HJ’s new video - Thank you very much for your support!
Link to News story »
RSS
Keep up to date with the latest news.