I HAVE been living in Singapore for 14 years, after having lived in Tokyo for seven. As an Adelaide girl, I had the time of my life in Tokyo. Everyone was gracious, respectful and kind.
When I heard about the Japan earthquake, my heart sank. Many people I love are affected and still terrified, and indeed still crying.
The loss, on so many levels, is excruciating.
I have been in advertising for two decades and wondered how I could help. A client and friend, Ms Noriko Collins, thought the same and we struck on an idea to help raise funds by selling a T-shirt that said 'Japan You Can'.
To make sure that the entire proceeds went to the disaster-relief effort, we sought sponsors to defray the cost of making the T-shirts.
Fu Fong Trading, a local company dealing with GreenLife and Shaklee health supplements, agreed to write a substantial cheque within minutes. Thank you, Mr Lim Tiong Hock and Mr Jack Hong.
The show of local support moved me to tears. I will not ever allow anyone to say within my earshot that Singaporeans only care about the 5Cs (condominium, car, cash, credit card and country club).
I am tempted to believe Singaporeans are among the kindest people anywhere.
I thought I got once-in-a-lifetime lucky when I lived in Japan. Actually, it happened again, when I moved to Singapore.
Arigato (thank you), Singapore.
Michelle Lauridsen (Ms)
-- ST Forum