Urgent Campaign: Save the 365-Day Children's Cafeteria from Closure by 2026

Urgent Campaign: Help Support Our Children's Cafeteria

Overview

In Edogawa, Tokyo, the NPO "Lion Heart" has provided daily food and support for children in need, operating 365 days a year. However, the organization is facing a dire financial crisis as its current facility is no longer available, and the costs of maintaining a new location have created a significant funding gap. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of local children, Lion Heart has launched its first-ever crowdfunding campaign aimed at raising 3 million yen to support their operational expenses and fulfill their dream of establishing a 24-hour emergency response children’s cafeteria.

The Challenges Ahead

With a deadline approaching in 2026, the stakes couldn't be higher. Lion Heart has relied on the generosity of local supporters who previously provided free venue space. As these donations of support end, the new site incurs costs of approximately 30,000 yen per month for rent and utilities—amounting to about 3.6 million yen annually. Under the current funding model, resources will run dry by the end of 2026, putting thousands of children at risk. Most staff members are volunteers, and food supplies come from donations. This precarious situation puts the future of a safe haven for children in jeopardy.

Hidden Darkness Faced by Children

Many children face challenges that often go unnoticed:

- Educational Gaps: Due to economic hardships, numerous children cannot afford tutoring or extracurricular activities, constricting their future prospects.
- Isolation: Stress and complex family dynamics lead to children feeling alone, deprived of supportive conversations.
- Lack of Safe Spaces: Many children, struggling with school avoidance, are left without a secure environment and may venture into unsafe situations at night.

Lion Heart acts as a crucial safety net for these vulnerable children, providing much-needed support and resources.

Evolving to Meet Needs

Lion Heart sees this crisis not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity to evolve its services. The vision is to expand from a daily service to a 24-hour emergency response children's cafeteria, providing essential support for children in immediate distress.

Immediate Protection for Vulnerable Children

In the past seven years, four female students on average sought temporary refuge at Lion Heart’s cafeteria, expressing feelings of wanting a safe space away from home. Many of these encounters stem from serious familial conflicts or unhealthy living conditions. The danger of being alone at night greatly increases the risk for these children to engage in harmful behaviors or face health threats. Lion Heart aims to provide a 24-hour safe haven to protect these children until they can receive more tailored support.

Collaborative Emergency Response

Lion Heart is more than just a meal provider. Strong collaborations with local medical institutions and organizations allow for immediate responses to urgent issues, such as domestic violence, effectively linking children to essential care.

Track Record of Success

With a diverse network of supportive initiatives, Lion Heart has achieved promising outcomes through its free service offerings:

- Children's Cafeteria: On average, 300 children and 280 adults engage monthly in hands-on workshops at the cozy "Nukunuku" cafeteria.
- Food Support: Lion Heart provides a food pantry to 301 households through 15 distribution sites, fostering a community of support.
- Educational Assistance: The organization helps children transition from school avoidance through free-school programs, with 24 students advancing to high school since 2018.
- Work and Education Support: Gatherings and fairs for career and academic guidance have drawn over 2,798 attendees, resulting in employment for 12 individuals.

Crowdfunding Details

The crowdfunding initiative, titled "Help! Save the 365-Day Children’s Cafeteria and Secure a Safe Space for Kids!" will run from December 12, 2025, to January 31, 2026. All funds raised will support operational costs in the new facility, enabling a transition towards a sustainable operation.

Lion Heart is determined to transform this impending crisis into a launchpad for serving children more effectively. With your generous support, they can continue to provide a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive.