The following press release was sent out today to help raise funds for our Japanese Sister City of Matsumoto. Please forward this information to anyone who may be interested in donating. You can also donate online by visiting www.slcgov.com Salt Lake City Reaches Out To Japanese Sister City Fund Started to Assist Residents of Matsumoto SALT LAKE CITY – In light of recent tragedies, Salt Lake City has set up a relief fund for our Sister City in Matsumoto, Japan. Salt Lake City and Matsumoto have shared a special bond through the Sister Cities program since 1958. The two cities have much in common, both situated in beautiful mountain valleys dotted with ski resorts and centered with historic buildings. The Sister Cities program was established under President Eisenhower to establish “Peace through People.” Matsumoto was Salt Lake’s first Sister City. Over the past 53 years the two cities have shared student exchanges, art exchanges, teacher and municipal employee exchanges, economic development, and several other activities. After the United States experienced the tragedies of September 11, Matsumoto hosted a fundraiser for relief efforts. They donated those funds to Salt Lake City asking us to put them where they are most needed. Salt Lake delivered those funds to then Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Although Matsumoto was not in direct line of the tsunami, the city is monitoring radiation levels daily. Matsumoto is located approximately 200 miles from the compromised nuclear facilities in Fukushima. At the City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 22, former City Councilman Dave Buhler will address the Council regarding making a donation to Matsumoto City to assist with rebuilding after the devastation in Japan. Several Council members have voiced interest in reciprocating the generosity of Matsumoto, who made a donation to New York City, through our Sister City relationship, following the 9/11 attacks. Current Council Members who have visited the Sister City of Matsumoto will also comment. 100% of the money raised through this relief fund will be given directly to the city of Matsumoto, Japan. The city can then determine where best to appropriate the funds. The Salt Lake City Mayor & Council offices are kicking off the Matsumoto Sister Cities Relief Fund with the first donations. Please join them in showing support for our friends in Japan. Donation Information: In person at any Wells Fargo location – donate to the Matsumoto, Japan Sister Cities Relief Fund. Send a check to: Wells Fargo Bank 381 E. Broadway Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Make checks payable to Matsumoto, Japan Sister Cities Relief Fund, account #7631654311 For questions regarding Salt Lake City’s Sister Cities program please contact Sara Hiatt at (801) 535-6035, sara.hiatt@slcgov.com or visit www.saltlakesistercities.com Sara Hiatt Phone: 801.535.6035