Art boosts aid effort

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Tags: languages, philanthropy, winter-2011

The Anime for Aid event raised $7500 to support Fukushima University following the devastating earthquake and tsunami. Image www.davidlovegrove.com

The strength of community spirit was on show recently when The University of Queensland staged Anime for Aid in support of Japan’s disaster relief.

More than 300 people packed the Schonell Theatre in March to enjoy the manga classic Metropolis and raise much needed funds for staff and students of partner institution Fukushima University, who were directly affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

During the January floods, Fukushima University was one of the first organisations to come to UQ’s aid, with staff and students braving wintry Japanese weather to collect more than $2000 for flood relief.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) Dr Anna Ciccarelli said Anime for Aid was an opportunity for the University to show its support for an important international partner.

“It was our turn to help our friends in Japan in their time of need – this is exactly what being part of a global community is about,” Dr Ciccarelli said.

Head of UQ’s School of Languages and Comparative Cultural Studies Associate Professor Greg Hainge said the event was made possible due to the support from many volunteers.

“At short notice, staff, students and the wider community came out in force to ensure this was a successful event,” Dr Hainge said.

Anime for Aid raised more than $7500 which was donated to assist Fukushima University with their disaster recovery efforts.

By Shane Higgins

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