Celebrating Volunteer Recognition Day at TELL Japan
Volunteer Recognition Day is a moment to celebrate the many people who make our work possible. At TELL, our work is sustained by a community of volunteers, supporters, and donors who generously give their time and energy. Together, these contributions ensure that people in our community have somewhere to turn for support, connection, and understanding. Today, we celebrate all of you.
Together, we help ensure that no one seeking support has to face difficult moments alone.
First and foremost, we want to recognize our dedicated volunteers on the Lifeline who show up day and night to provide a steady and compassionate presence for people who may be experiencing the most difficult moments in their lives. These remarkable individuals do this anonymously, without receiving external recognition or validation for their selfless dedication to community, yet their contributions are invaluable, providing support to those in need, often during their darkest times. We want to shine a light on you and express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible work you do. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and words cannot fully capture how much we appreciate your dedication. Last year alone, the Lifeline received more than 11,000 contacts from phone and chat users. Our trained Lifeline volunteers provided needed support, making a profound difference in the lives of those in distress and creating a safe space for vulnerable individuals to share their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
We are also deeply grateful to the volunteers who help bring our community together through events. Your efforts create spaces where people feel connected and supported. A heartfelt “Thank you” to the many volunteers who have helped organize 115 events last year. One of those events is our monthly pub quizzes, which have become a much-loved tradition. In fact, this year, the Tokyo Pub Quiz celebrates its 10th anniversary! Our appreciation goes out to everyone who has participated, especially to those who have been part of the quiz community since the very beginning.
Our appreciation also extends to the members of our Board, who volunteer their time and expertise to guide and help shape the direction of the organization, ensuring we remain focused on our mission.
And of course, we want to recognize our donors. Your generosity allows us to maintain and expand programs that so many people rely on. Your financial support is a powerful expression of belief in this community and the work we do together.
Get Involved
Volunteer Recognition Day is not only a moment of gratitude, it is also an invitation. If you have ever thought about getting involved, there are many ways to be part of this community.
If you are interested in directly supporting the community as part of our Support Worker community, our Summer Training starts on May 16, and there will be an Information Session on Tuesday, April 14. We also have our annual Tokyo Tower Climb at Tokyo Tower on Saturday, April 19. This popular event brings the community together for a memorable climb and an important cause.
To every volunteer, board member, donor, and supporter: thank you. Your time, generosity, and commitment make this work possible. Because of you, when someone in our community faces a difficult moment, they do not have to face it alone.