Shards of Hope – Support for Nozomi Project

Nozomi Project: Bringing hope, dignity, and strength for the women in Ishinomaki, one of the hardest hit area during Tohoku Earthquake & Tsunami.

I usually keep my blog focus on recipes and food-related topics, and occasionally I share my experience through travel posts when I visit places with my family.

Today’s post however is totally an exception, it’s not about food or my trips. Instead I would like share a story about the women in Ishinomaki, Japan – the town which was most seriously affected by the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami – and how they build their hope and strength through broken pieces of pottery leftover after the horrible disaster.

Most of us move on to our busy lives after we did what we could do to help the world’s latest disasters. And we often forget about the people went through the tragedy and are still struggling at this very moment.

But not for Sue Takamoto, an American Christian missionary from Hawaii.

Nozomi Project – Where “Hope” Begins

Sue came to Ishinomaki to help with disaster relief. She was cleaning the debris and found many pieces of broken pottery. Looking at these broken pieces of pottery, she didn’t see just trash and garbage. Instead she thought she could turn these shards of pottery into high-quality jewelry products.

That’s how Nozomi Project was founded.

The women in Ishinomaki needed a place to gather and find “Nozomi” (a Japanese word for hope). Most of them lost their homes or a loved one, or both.

And Nozomi Project brings sustainable income, community, dignity, strength, and hope for these women.

Each of their product lines has been named by a Nozomi woman in honor of a loved one in her life.

What We Can Do to help Nozomi Women

When Sue contacted me to see if I can help spread the words of Nozomi Project, I was really touched by the stories as I learned more about Nozomi Project. I was inspired by Sue’s warm heart and persistent will to help others.

And many of the women who make these absolutely gorgeous jewelry are mothers like myself. As a woman, mother, and Japanese myself, I thought I could do my part to help, even if it’s small. I am just a small food blogger, but words shared on the blog post can reach to more than people I personally know. This is why I’m here today.

You could support Nozomi Project by shopping their accessories or donating directly to them. I believe the Nozomi Project is a great example of long-term aid for the people who needs support in order to rebuild their lives in Ishinomaki.

As you might know, every month 20% of proceeds from my e-cookbook will go to charity. I’ve donated 20% of my proceeds from September to Nozomi Project.

Nozomi Project is the Perfect Holiday Gift!

The holiday season is just around the corner. If you’re looking for a small gift for your friends, check out these pretty Christmas ornaments!

If your family and friends love unique and one of a kind accessories, Nozomi Project is a great online shop to start your holiday shopping!

Please check out Nozomi Project’s website for more information and follow their social media for news and updates.

Website  ::  Facebook  ::  Instagram

Worldwide Giveaway! (Closed)

I know by now you must love these beautiful accessories! I’m partnering with Nozomi Project to give away two (2) beautiful necklaces! The first winner will get Moeka necklace and the second winner will get Sakura necklace. Please read the instruction carefully before entering. Good luck!

To enter for your chance to win a prize, please leave a comment for Nozomi Project (just say hello!).

Bonus Entry! “Like” Nozomi Project on Facebook and leave a separate comment saying you “liked” their page.

This giveaway closes on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 12 p.m. PST and is open to participants worldwide (everyone!).

Two (2) winners will be selected via Random.org and contacted via email, so please include a valid email address in the email address entry box (please double check your spelling!). The winners are required to respond within 72 hours to claim the prize.

Full Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Nozomi Project.

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Thank you so much for participating this giveaway and supporting Nozomi Project. They had a record number of sales this past week! Our small gesture from all over the world made an impact on Nozomi women and they were all excited and happy! It’s all because of your kind support! You guys are the best! Thank you!

The winners are…

The first winner is Stephanie Garratt (#28) and the second winner is Masako Murakami (#196). I’ll email you shortly. Thank you for your wonderful support everyone!