Japanese Auxiliary celebrates 25 years giving to VJH

Twenty-five years — and still going strong.

The Vernon Women’s Japanese Auxiliary, or “Fujinkai,” has celebrated a long history of giving to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, presenting the VJH Foundation with a cheque for $1,000.

Since the early 1930’s the Vernon Japanese Cultural Society has been a mainstay in the community. Located in the Japanese Cultural Centre building on Bella Vista Road, the society, along with the Fujinkai, holds annual fundraisers and events to help maintain the building and provide support for operating costs. Partial proceeds from their fundraising go back into the community each year, including to the VJH Foundation.

“Our main annual fundraising activity is our fall bazaar. Open to the public, we offer baking, crafts and produce. But, the main draw for the event is always our chow mein, available at a cost of $10 per serving. In less than an hour we sell 500 servings! People line up outside our doors for a chance to purchase some,” said Irene Oizumi, long-time member of the Auxiliary. “Due to the popularity of the chow mein, we now offer presales.”