The Japanese Chamber of Commerce &Industry of Hawaii collected foodstuffs for The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s food bank, during its holiday party and general membership meeting on Dec. 2.
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce &Industry of Hawaii collected foodstuffs for The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s food bank, during its holiday party and general membership meeting on Dec. 2.
Francis Rickard, operations manager of the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, where the event was hosted, joined JCCIH President Carol VanCamp in collecting the donations.
JCCIH fosters economic sustainability, perpetuates the Japanese cultural heritage and traditions in Hawaii.
“Its mission is to promote the well-being of our community through business and personal relationships that embody the values of ‘kahiau and okage sama de,’” said VanCamp. From the Hawaiian, “kahiau” means giving without expecting anything in return. “Okage sama de” is a Japanese proverb which means “I am what I am because of you.”
The chamber sponsors the popular annual Taste of Hilo, hosts business and cultural events and information sessions throughout the year and works with other business organizations to serve as watchdog over state and county legislation.
For information about JCCIH, visit the website at www.jccih.org.