Report: PBV’s Disaster Relief in Chile

Report: PBV’s Disaster Relief in Chile

On February 22, a massive forest fire broke out in central Chile, killing 137 people and forcing the evacuation of a total of 16,000 people.

Immediately after this fire, PBV contacted the Nikkei Association in Chile and decided to support the Jardin Botanico Nacional (National Botanical Garden), which was severely damaged. The Jardin Botanico Nacional was the site of the A-bombed trees sent from Japan, which had been a symbol of peace and exchange. These symbolic cherry trees were also burnt to the ground by this fire.

At the Star Festival held at the park in July, Nikkei Association President Haruko Sanchez Suzuki handed a donation from the public to the park’s director, Alejandro Peirano. The donation is being used to perchase new cherry tree saplings and restoration of the botanical garden.

Mr. Peirano said, “Many people always visit the Botanical Garden at the end of September to enjoy the cherry blossoms, but they may not bloom this year. In that case, let’s decorate the dead cherry trees with origami. Thanks to the donations from the PBV, we will be able to restore the cherry trees. Thank you very much”.

New cherry tree saplings are ready to be planted. We look forward to the day when the Chilean people can once again enjoy cherry blossom viewing under the grown trees.