May 27, 2011Dear Sir,As a Japanese national I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the generosity of the people of Bermuda towards the crisis in Japan. My family lives in Ibaraki Prefecture, just south of Fukushima Prefecture. My sister came to Bermuda with her son for a week at the end of March to escape from the disaster. She said: “I cannot believe that back at home, our lives have changed dramatically and a 14-hour flight later, life goes on in beautiful Bermuda as if nothing has changed.” Before long their stressed minds were eased by the beauty of Bermuda.When I was wondering how I can be of help to the people of Japan, I was given an opportunity to assist Saltus Grammar School in raising funds for the earthquake victims in Japan. In the one day event, held on May 8th, they raised $2,111.50! Thanks to Mrs Bergquist and her son Nicholas, who took the initiative, Mrs Chadderton and her daughter Emily, and the many Saltus parents who donated baked goods for the sale, the students, teachers, and staff all of who helped to raise money for Japan. I am aware of many more people who made contributions to the fund raising effort and I was also delighted to see the Dunkley's milk carton appealing for donations for Japan. As a Japanese resident in Bermuda I just want to thank you all for your kindness in helping my country recover from this terrible disaster.CHIHARU ASTWOODPaget