VOULUNTEER
Would you like to be
one of the volunteers supporting our Houses?

Interviews
with Volunteers

1. 

   01. Fuchu House: Mrs. Hiroko Suzuki

   How did you get started?

   After entering my 60s and my grandchildren were in preschool, I had more time and was looking for something to do. I found out about the House in 2009 when I saw a newspaper flyer. I was worried that there would only be young people, but I felt reassured when they told me “There’s nothing to worry about!” at the information session.

   What do you find to be rewarding?

   Among the various activities, being a “Meal Volunteer” that prepares meals is very rewarding because when you see families that have returned to the House from the hospital looking delighted, it makes me feel that “our thoughts have been felt”, “I’m glad that I did it” and “I want to do it again”.

   Message

   When the guests are happy, it makes me happy, too, and I can’t help but smile. As there are times when the strength of a man is needed for certain activities within the facility, participating with your husband is also nice. It can give you a common topic to talk about and feelings can be shared.

2. 

   02. Saitama House: Mr. Kenji Takahashi

   How did you get started?

   When I was in my mid-40s, I felt that “I want to support others” and was thinking about what I could do to contribute to the community. In 2016, I found that volunteers were being sought for at Saitama House, which led me to where I am today.

   How do you balance the volunteering with your work?

   I currently take part in activities twice a month on Saturdays. Balancing both is not a problem as long as you have the motivation and the ability to adjust your schedule ahead of time. The thought of “helping and supporting each other” that I value most in my life may have led me to strike a balance between both as a result.

   How do you balance the volunteering with your work?

   I currently take part in activities twice a month on Saturdays. Balancing both is not a problem as long as you have the motivation and the ability to adjust your schedule ahead of time. The thought of “helping and supporting each other” that I value most in my life may have led me to strike a balance between both as a result.

3. 

   03. UTokyo House: Mr. Ouichiro Iso

   How did you get started?

   My family used the House when my sister had to be hospitalized. As I wanted to join the staff when my sister got better so that I could contribute even just a little to offering a safe and peaceful place to guests, I started taking part in activities in 2017.

   What do you find to be rewarding?

   Although I could have contributed through “making donations”, the amount of money I can offer as a student is very small. It’s rewarding when I’m able to give back to the House that I used to stay at and support people who need me through volunteering, not by donating money.

   What does volunteering mean to you?

   It’s an opportunity to have a unique experience that’s difficult to gain at school or at part-time jobs. The skills and experiences I acquire are sure to be useful in my life moving forward. “Volunteering activities” are a way to increase the options in my life, making it even richer.

4. 

   04. UTokyo House: Ms. Yuui Nakamura

   How do you balance the volunteering with school?

   I try to take part in volunteer work as much as possible during long holidays and after exams. I think it's important to make a clear distinction between participating when you can and not pushing yourself too hard when you can't. Since 2017, I've been volunteering one or two Sunday mornings a month and am currently doing so with my little brother.

   What do you find to be difficult?

   There’s nothing in particular that I find difficult. When I first started volunteering or when I hadn't worked for a while, I’m able to work together with more experienced volunteers, so if I have any questions, I can ask them without straining myself.

   What would you like to do moving forward?

   As there’s only so much that can be done by one person, I’d like to expand the circle of volunteers. I’ve talked to friends and teachers from high school and college who’d never heard of the House. I hope that this activity can be continued for a long time by having many people become interested and participate.