To the Citizens of Prince George:
I am a former Prince George resident; I grew up in the Hart and I attended the University of Northern British Columbia for two years, before leaving for UVic. Since graduating from university, I have moved to Okinawa, Japan, where I currently work as an assistant language teacher.
I know you have all seen the terrible footage on the news and heard the statistics about the damage caused by the earthquake, it's aftershocks, and the horrible tsunami that hit the coast of northern Japan on March 11.
While attempting to rescue survivors of this tragedy, Japanese authorities are also working to prevent a possible nuclear crisis, as there has been damage done to the nuclear reactors in the area. With evacuations and rescue missions in effect, the need for support from other countries is immense.
Japan has become a second home to me. When I arrived in Dec. 2009, I truly believed that I would stay eight months and then happily return to my life in Canada. Now, I have been here for one-and-a-half years, and I plan to live here until at least Aug. 2012. This country is amazing and the people here are so incredibly kind and generous, beyond belief. This is evident in the calm and continued respect that has been demonstrated in the areas hit hardest by this disaster.
Japan is a true friend to North America; for example, after Hurricane Katrina, Japan pledged $1.5 million dollars in private donations, along with the donations of money and supplies from the Japanese government. Now, the Japanese people need your help.
Growing up in Prince George was an amazing experience and I know that P.G. is full of kind-hearted people who are willing to help those in need. Japan is in need and as a former (and, perhaps, future) resident of our northern provincial capital, I urge you to give to the Canadian Red Cross, so that they can help to provide the support that Japan so desperately needs.
Sarra McMillan
Naha, Okinawa, Japan
