During the check presentation at the Japanese Consulate in Puerto Rico, Saipan World Resort president and general manager Myung Wook Park said the staff and management of the hotel came up with $5,000 in donations, which the administrative office matched.
“We know our financial support will not ease the pain of the tragedy and the loss of lives. However, we hope that this contribution will help relief efforts and assist in the rebuilding process in the months to follow,” Park said.
Park said Japan and Korea share a long history of friendship over the years.
“In times of need like this, the victims need all the help they can get and we are happy to contribute whatever assistance we can give,” Park said.
Japan Consul Tsutomu Higuchi said he appreciates the donation from the Saipan World Resort family.
“We extend our sincere thanks for this donation extended to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan,” Higuchi said.
Although it has been over three weeks since the devastation that hit Japan, the extent of the damage has not been known, he added.
“The disaster has left over 12,000 dead, 18,000 or more are still missing, and over 200,000 evacuees have been left homeless. Your donation can go a long way in providing them with the basic necessities as they start picking up their lives,” Higuchi said.
For the time being, Japan’s economy has taken a big hit but he expressed optimism that the Asian powerhouse will rise again.
“Given enough time, Japan will recover from this devastation and things will get back to normal,” Higuchi added.
Higuchi said they have turned over all the donations from Saipan to the Japanese Red Cross Society.
