Donations to the Japanese Red Cross

 

Thank you all for participating in the 21st Annual Meeting and Conference in Kyoto/Osaka, Japan, held from April 21 to 24, 2011.

 

Through this important event, I believe that we all achieved various individual and collective goals. In particular, today I would like to inform you of the numerous contributions that were made to support the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that heavily hit the Tohoku region of Japan in March 2011.

 

During the conference, we received many generous personal donations. We had the Silent Auction that, through your kind cooperation and participation, raised JPY2,709,915 (approximately US$33,874). I am pleased to inform you that this amount was sent to the Japanese Red Cross Society on June 14, 2011.

 

In addition, from the collection boxes located at the conference center, we received JPY320,381(approximately US$4,005) in donations to support the victims.

 

Moreover, among those who had to cancel their participation in this event, several donated their registration fees instead of receiving a refund. As a result, we had additional contributions of JPY1,612,500 (approximately US$20,156).

 

Regarding the participants in the Exhibition, Thomson Reuters had to reduce the number of its booths from four to two, and the International Law Office had to cancel its exhibition entirely. Although these booth fees were refundable, both participants declined their refund and instead offered these fees as donations. Through their generosity, 760,766 Yen (approximately US$9,510), was also contributed to support the victims of the earthquake and tsunami.

 

Apart from the funds raised through the Silent Auction, these donations totaled JPY2,693,647 (approximately US$33,671), and all of them were also sent to the Japanese Red Cross Society on June 8, 2011.

 

On behalf of the IPBA and the IPBA 2011 Host Committee, I would like to express our sincerest appreciation to you for your warm and enthusiastic support.

 

Approximately three months have passed since the earthquake and tsunami. With all the support extended from around the world, I look forward to the steady advance of the recovery.

 

Thank you once again, and I ask for your continued support of the IPBA.