Community members will rally to support earthquake survivors in western Japan during a free cultural event in Steveston.
At tomorrow's Japan Night in Steveston, 100 cup noodles and 60 rice balls will be served to community members donating to those affected by a magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck the Ishikawa prefecture and nearby areas on New Year's Day.
The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings in the coastal region and recorded more than 1,000 aftershocks. More than 1,800 homes in Ishikawa were either destroyed or seriously damaged and almost 59,000 homes were without running water. Hundreds of people are either missing or injured.
"With a death toll over 200 people and over 26,000 people still living in temporary shelters, the organizers of the 'Japan Night in Steveston' event felt it was our way of showing support to those suffering in Japan by making the event into a fundraising campaign for the earthquake relief," said Keiko Go, Steveston Buddhist Temple spokesperson.
Japan Night aims to showcase Japanese culture with cultural performances and a movie screening and is organized by the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver, the Japan Foundation and the Steveston Buddhist Temple.
The cup noodles are offered courtesy of the temple and the rice balls are donated by Takeya Sushi.
The event will be held at the Steveston Buddhist Temple at 4360 Garry St. and will run from 4:30 to 8 p.m.
All event proceeds will go toward the relief effort.
- With files from The Associated Press.
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