While we don’t hear much anymore in the news about Japan's horrible earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear power plant disaster, the Japanese people still need help. That’s why Lahaina Divers is sponsoring a Benefit Dive for Japanese children orphaned by the disaster.

On July 31, 2011, Lahaina Divers is sponsoring Benefit for Japan, a 2-tank boat dive. All of the money raised by the dive will be donated to the Japanese relief organization Ashinaga Ikuei Kai, which supports children who lost their parents in the earthquake and its aftermath. Lahaina Divers will be donating the boat and crew for the benefit dive, along with a deli lunch for guests between dives. Check in at the Lahaina Divers store at 143 Dickenson Street in Lahaina, Hawaii. Return time from dive is approximately 12:30pm.

Those diving must be certified; however, all are welcome onboard as passengers or snorkelers. The minimum donation is $150 per person, 100 percent of which goes to the relief effort.

To make reservations or get additional information, calling 667-7496 or 1-998-3483.

To donate directly to Ashinaga Ikuei Kai, visit the English version of their website at www.ashinaga.org/en/

Information on disaster survivors and Ashinaga Ikuei Kai:
_There are reportedly 1,101 children who lost their parents as of May 31st 2011. For children who lost their parents or guardians in the disaster or who have a parent or guardian affected by a severe disability resulting from the disaster, Ashinaga has implemented the following measures:
* Establishment of one-time relief payments for children (from infants to graduate school students) ranging from 100,000 yen (US$1,250) to 400,000 yen (US$5,000).
* Grace periods for repayment of regular Ashinaga educational loans.
* Dispatch of staff members to affected areas to identify children in need of psychological support. These efforts are based on 16 years of experience and know-how that have been accumulated through the psychosocial care activities undertaken at Kobe Rainbow House, established after the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake.
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