Andy and Shelley Vanderplas, Homestay family to NIT student Nobuaki Takashima, recently donated $1,000 to Japanese families affected by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami, and have challenged other families to do the same.
The Vanderplases, who billet Takashima out of their home in Hillcrest, and have also acted as Homestay family to other NIT students in the past, donated the $600 monthly room and board allowance they receive from the educational institution back to the school’s Japan relief fund last week, in addition to spending $400 of their own money to purchase care package items and blankets for families living in the city of Sendai, one of the worst affected by the disaster.
“We decided to do what we can,” said Andy Vanderplas, adding that he and his family have also enjoyed the hospitality of Japanese families during their time in the country. “Now that they’re in need, it’s only right that we do what we can to help them.”
Vanderplas said he and his wife are also extending the challenge to past and present Homestay families, and anyone who has benefited from the program.
This year, there are 15 NIT students being billeted by families in the Crowsnest Pass, and five in Lethbridge.
NIT Director Phil Cann estimates there are approximately 50 past and present local families who have provided the service, and about as many in Lethbridge as well.
“If we all do something, it adds up to a lot,” said Vanderplas. “We live in a safe, comfortable area – it’s not going to hurt us to reach out and help.”