VJLS-JH Y2K Capital Project

In commemorating the 100th year of the history of VJLS-JH, the construction project of the New Japanese Hall and Multi-purpose Classroom Complex was launched in 1991. The spacious new five storey building with underground parking was completed in June 2000, adjoining the 1928 Old Japanese Hall building. The Old Hall has been designated as a heritage building by the City of Vancouver. The project is commonly
called “ The VJLS-JH Y2K Capital Project” and its final project costs will be over C$6.0 million if the future debt service fees would have been included.

The Y2K Capital Project has unexpectedly become a marathon project, and Y2K Project Fundraising Campaign has not yet been fully completed. Good news, however is that the outstanding amount of bank loan has finally become slightly below a magic line of $1.0 million (C$965,500 exact) as of August 31, 2007. Over 83% of the fundraising target amount has been accomplished with generous donations over 3000 individuals, businesses, foundations and agencies.

Since this capital project is significantly important for not only the Japanese-Canadian community in Vancouver and the general Canadian communities, but also for the future relationship between Canada and Japan, many dignitaries in both countries have agreed to be the members of the Honorary Advisory Committee of the Y2K Capital Project from the initial stage. Some of them are the (Late) Prince Norihito Takamado, Rt. Hon. Edward Shryer (the 27th Governor General of Canada), Rt. Hon. Yasuhiro Nakasone (former Prime Minister in Japan), Mr. Patrick Read (Commissioner General of 1986 Vancouver Expo), Dr. Koki Sato (Chairman of Mejiro University in Japan).

Like the Canadian contributions, many Japanese individuals and corporations have also supported the Project through VJLS-JH Japan Fundraising Campaign Office in Tokyo. Donations received so far have ranged from C$50 to C$600,000 per unit. For donations, the VJLS-JH will issue an Official Receipt that can be used for your income/corporate tax deductions. All donors’ names of C$100 and over will be acknowledged in the Appreciation Scroll upon full completion of the fundraising campaign.

Also, for any donation of C$100,000 and over from an individual or a business, or from any specific group members, VJLS-JH has the policy to acknowledge such the donation with specially produced signage that is permanently displayed at the entrance of the designated classroom or other room. So far, the following rooms have been designated for the special acknowledgement purpose;

1. Big Hall : Japanese-Canadian Redress Foundation Commemorative Hall
2. Entrance hall : Osaka World Expo Commemorative Foundation Hall
3. 3rdfl. Craft Room : George Fujisawa Memorial Craft Room
4. Library : Tsutae & Hanako Sato Memorial Library (Special designation)

Classroom #1 : Sakura-jima Room Classroom #2 : Tokyo Room Classroom #3 : Wakayama Room Classroom #4 : Okinawa Room Classroom #5 : (Reserved)

Thus the specially designated room can be named by the qualified donor(s) through consultation with the VJLS-JH Board of Directors. Penthouse Room, 4th Fl. Seminar Room, Board Room, and 10 additional classrooms are still available for such special naming. VJLS-JH Y2K Fundraising sub-Committee gratefully welcomes to receive any forms of donations, such as cash, stocks/bonds, bequest from anywhere in the world. Your donation via United Way is also acceptable because our name has been registered with the Unite Way. Please clearly designate your donation to “ Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall” along with our Registered Charity Number (BN119281996RR0001).