Collaboration for Sustainable Development Goals at Maebashi City Hall Food Drive Donation Event

On August 5, a significant food donation event took place at the Maebashi City Hall, where the Pal System Gunma and Thespa Gunma Luminous collaborated to support local communities. The donation was presented to Mayor Akira Ogawa, emphasizing the importance of food waste reduction and support for families facing hardship. This event demonstrated a strong commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through collective community efforts.

Objectives of the Food Drive

The collaboration primarily aims to alleviate food waste and extend support to those in need. The items donated originated from the Ota Rugby Festival 2025, held on July 19. During this festival, both organizations set up a special booth where attendees were encouraged to contribute any surplus food from their homes, showcasing the communal spirit and the drive towards sustainability.

In addition to donating food, representatives from Pal System Gunma and Thespa Gunma Luminous also discussed their community contribution activities with the mayor. They highlighted the impact of the food donation, which would go directly to the Maebashi City Children’s Food Pantry, ensuring that those who need it most will receive the support.

Event Highlights

The food drive not only facilitated the donation of food items but also included an initiative where players from Thespa Gunma Luminous engaged directly with the community. A special promotion was in place where attendees could receive autographed memorabilia from the players, fostering a sense of unity and support within the region.

Details of the Donation Ceremony

- Date: August 5, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM
- Venue: Maebashi City Hall, 4th Floor, Guest Room, 2-12-1 Otemachi, Maebashi City, Gunma
- Donated to: Maebashi City Children’s Food Pantry
- Attendees:

- Akira Ogawa, Mayor of Maebashi City
- Masumi Mitsuoka, General Manager of Thespa Gunma Luminous, along with two players
- Makiko Ohira, Chairperson of Pal System Gunma, with two staff members

Commitment to Education and Community Engagement

Since 2019, Pal System Gunma has been actively working with educational institutions to promote awareness of the SDGs through workshops and practical engagement. The food drive is one of many initiatives aimed at empowering participants to address social issues collectively, thus expanding the scope of their community impact.

Their efforts have been recognized, earning the Gunma Prefectural Environmental Award for the Contribution to Achieving the Gunma Five Zero Declaration, showcasing the effectiveness of their educational partnerships and outreach efforts.

A Future-Focused Approach

Pal System Gunma remains dedicated to collaborating with various organizations to address regional challenges, continuously striving toward societal reforms and assistance for vulnerable communities. This commitment is further highlighted as 2025 is designated as the International Year of Cooperatives, underscoring the importance of cooperative action and community support in achieving sustainable development.

For more information about Pal System Gunma, you can visit their official website: Pal System Gunma. Their overarching mission aligns with the cooperative's vision of sustainable and ethical practices within the region, ensuring that they remain a pivotal part of the community's fabric as they work towards a more sustainable future.