#Japan #Crowdfunding #Saga City #ON THE ROAD #Osaka trips

A Journey of Hope: ON THE ROAD’s Osaka Travel Project

In April 2023, a remarkable initiative began under the umbrella of the non-profit organization ON THE ROAD, led by President Izumi Tsuda in Saga City, Saga Prefecture, Japan. As part of a new department dedicated to supporting children with severe illnesses and their siblings, ON THE ROAD is embarking on a mission to brighten the lives of families grappling with difficult health challenges.

The project, announced to start in fiscal year 2024, aims to invite families residing in Saga Prefecture, specifically those with children suffering from severe medical conditions, on a delightful trip to Osaka. The first event is set to welcome five families, comprising a total of 23 members, in the 2025 fiscal year, allowing them to create joyful memories while traveling together.

Collaboration between pediatricians from Saga and Osaka is fundamental to this undertaking, ensuring that participating families receive not only logistical support but also the medical expertise required for their children during travel. The goal is to provide an enriching experience that these families might not otherwise have the chance to enjoy.

To sustain this initiative in the long term, ON THE ROAD is actively seeking support through crowdfunding. They have set a target of 30 million yen, accessible via the “Furusato Choice” crowdfunding platform, managed by Trust Bank, Inc., headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo. This unique government-backed crowdfunding model aims to mobilize resources from across the nation, empowering generous donors to contribute.

For supporters residing outside Saga Prefecture, the organization has arranged a delightful range of acknowledgment gifts produced by local producers in Saga, including the famous squid and rice from Yanbuko. These thoughtful tokens serve dual purposes: they express gratitude towards contributors and also foster a sense of community. For siblings of children with severe illnesses, often overshadowed by their brother or sister's medical needs, this initiative not only brings joy but also creates opportunities for memorable family experiences.

Though donations from supporters within Saga are currently subject to restrictions as outlined in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications notification No. 179 of 2019, ON THE ROAD emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness about the project to encourage meaningful contributions from potential donors nationwide.

Project Overview:

• - Project Name: Third Phase - Inviting Families of Children with Severe Illnesses for a Dream Trip to Osaka
• - Donation Platform: Furusato Choice “Government Crowdfunding®” (managed by Trust Bank, Inc.)
• - Target Amount: 30 million yen
• - Fundraising Period: December 5, 2025 - December 4, 2026 (365 days)
• - Allocation of Funds: The donations will help cover travel expenses for families, transportation costs for preliminary meetings, personnel wages, and various administrative expenses. If the funding goal is not met, the project will still proceed, although the timing may vary.

For every generous contribution received exceeding the target, ON THE ROAD plans to invite additional families, ensuring more children can experience the joy of a family trip. The donations will also address any gaps in personnel funding and may roll over to support future initiatives.

For more details and to support this initiative, please visit: ON THE ROAD Project Link

About ON THE ROAD

Located in Saga City, Saga Prefecture, ON THE ROAD is dedicated to supporting families facing the challenges of serious childhood illnesses. Their mission is to foster hope and joy, reminding us all of the power of compassion and community.

Address: 4-1-107, Oozai Kitamachi, Saga City, Saga, Japan
Website: ontheroad.or.jp
Email: [email protected]
President: Izumi Tsuda

The first family trip ever taken by the children issued a promise of beautiful memories, making the experience even more meaningful.