On Friday, November 13, Habitat for Humanity Japan held its annual charity gala, Homecoming 2020. We limited the number of guests at the beautiful Meiji Kinenkan hall to 50% capacity and invited guests to participate virtually via live streaming as part of our COVID-19 precautions. In total, about 150 people joined the event
This year, we raised funds to help vulnerable people in Tokyo who have been impacted by the pandemic. Due to economic downsizing, some have lost their jobs as well as a place to call home. Additionally, the government’s request to stay home deepened social isolation and decreased the physical activity of the vulnerable, exacerbating the difficulties they already faced. Our speakers shared the value of being Habitat volunteers and the positive impact of "Project HomeWorks”, Habitat Japan's domestic housing assistance program. We believe participants came away with a better understanding of our efforts to help those in need of safe, decent, and affordable housing.
A lively charity auction was held as part of the fundraising effort. Thanks to Mr. Jon Kabira, a famous Japanese personality, and Mr. Jesper Koll, who has been the entertaining Master of Ceremonies for our previous galas, the auction was a great success. With the generosity of our event sponsors, many exciting and exclusive items were offered. At the end of the program, Yui Mugino, a talented singer-songwriter, performed her original songs while playing the piano.
In an incredible demonstration of the power of collective giving, we raised millions of yen in support of Habitat Japan’s programs. We’d like to say a special thank you to our event sponsors, without whom, the success of the event would not have been possible.
Thank you again for being a part of our mission to help build homes and hope.
