Charitable Involvement
The purpose of the Genbukan Daigo Dojo is to try our best to follow Soke Tanemura's mission; to be a ray of light in a world of darkness. Any effort, no matter how small, that helps the world is important.
This dojo is more than just a place to learn martial arts techniques. We are here to try to improve the world. From local charities to helping in any way we can on a more global scale, this is important.
Many of our students have been involved in a wide variety of events focused on fund-raising and so on. The Genbukan Daigo Dojo tries to help them in any way we can, as a group, so that they are successful and their cause and effort are successful as well.
If you have a special event or charitable cause and think we might be able to help in some small way, please let us know. It can be anything from fund-raising to martial arts demonstrations to public speaking/seminars for youth, or motivational efforts/team building for a company or corporation.
One of the highlights of the past few years was sponsoring a visit from the Monks of Drepung Gomang Monastery who came on a continent wide tour to spread their message and to show the plight of their beloved Tibet. The time spent with them was very special and they enjoyed the martial arts demonstration that was done in their honor as we enjoyed the Yak Dance and the great debate they performed between one of their senior monks and two younger ones! The money raised from ticket sales (and some handmade items the monks had crafted) helped them in their continued efforts to bring their culture to Calgary and to help feed the other monks who live back at the monastery, located in India.
The Genbukan Daigo Dojo presented a small lecture and training session for the elementary students of St. Catherine's school who were looking to explore more information on martial arts and Japanese culture.
The Dojo spent an evening at the local blood donor clinic where many students donated their top notch Ninja blood to help with the Calgary Blood Drive that was going on. The spirit of those that came and were a part of the event was great.
Our recent visit to the Cheesecake Cafe to help support the Make A Wish Foundation was a success. As a group, we applauded the efforts of the staff who donated all the funds raised that night from the sale of their tasty desserts to the very worthwhile charity. It certainly took a lot of hard work to eat all that dessert but we showed good spirit and good technique!
Vern's efforts to raise $2500 for the Ride to End Cancer was also something the Dojo wanted to help out with. All of the bottles and donations we collected in the month of May are being donated to his fund-raising efforts. Total raised for Vern was $111. Thanks to the many bottle donators for helping Vern reach his goal! Best of luck in your ride Vern!
Farrah is working on raising $1500 for the Easter Seals Drop Zone happening in September. The Dojo wants to help with this worthwhile cause as well. Easter Seals Alberta is committed to helping children and their families overcome the challenges of a physical disability. By providing families with necessary mobility and accessibility equipment, we can help ensure they live a better life. In addition, money raised will help send over 1000 children with a physical disability or special need, such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy, to Easter Seals Camp Horizon, where they enjoy a unique summer camp experience and succeed in ways they never imagined possible. All donations and bottles we can collect in June and July will help her reach her goal. Total raised for Farrah was $100.
The Dojo asked students to donate bottles or cash towards the Haitian Earthquake Relief Efforts. Our donation went to the Canadian Red Cross. The Canadian Government has committed to match the donations towards those efforts! The Genbukan Daigo Dojo donated $150 raised to the effort. With the matching government funds, this brings $300 towards their relief efforts. I hope that somehow, through this tragedy, the people of Haiti can rebuild their lives and find happiness again in their hearts. I want to also thank the Canadian Government for offering to match the donations made by Canadians towards the disaster.
Recently the Dojo has raised and donated $100 to the MS Walk and Run which will be participated in by Billie Jean Martell. Her two boys are in our youth program. Best of luck in another worthy cause.
The Genbukan Daigo Dojo did a lecture and small skills trianing session with the students of West Island College who were celebrating a cultural exploration project and presentation.
The Genbukan Daigo Dojo Cho donated money to provide gifts, turkeys, and gift cards to various Calgary food banks and adopt a family programs throughout the month of December 2010.
In the aftermath of Japan's tragedy, the Genbukan Daigo Dojo raised $750 CDN.
As an official Chase Point of the 2011 Mitsubishi Calgary City Chase, we saw more than 348 people come through our venue! Both students and participants flexed their martial skills in a series of challenges, resulting in an amazing time for everyone involved. We did our very best efforts to help promote the Genbukan and to fulfill Soke's mission. The event itself was in effort to raise money for Right To Play helping children find the means of playing sport. Calgary's total raised was more than $60,000. Our own investment into the race was $1400 and we hope that all the City Chasers who came through our venue, had a great time and will come again next year! Great job to the City Chase organizers, especially Ardiena Schatz, for all their efforts in making this happen. Special thanks to Breakfast TV Crew for hosting us in their broadcasts on the days leading up to the event. Great job to all the students of the school who came and were part of this amazing day!
August 2011 Crohn's and Colitis Fund-Raiser to find a cure is hosted by Melrose on 17th each year. Scientists still dont even know the cause of Crohn's disease much less have a cure for it.
Melrose has been good enough to ask the Dojo to be part of this event. Special thank you to Wayne (owner), and Kerri (manager) for setting this up.
Melrose is always a great place to come down and enjoy good food in a great environment! This event continues their on-going commitment to helping the community and numerous causes.
Wes and Kerri, Farrah, Chris, Shaun, Liam, and Kay and I will all be helping out with the great day and all for a great cause!
The event went very well with great food, great silent auction donations, and great staff at Melrose as always. The total amount raised for Crohn's and Colitis research was $8,325.00.
Thanks again to Wayne and Kerri from Melrose who were gracious enough to allow us to be part of this great event.
