<Report> Sunshine City Group Delivers 1,076 Items of Children's Clothing to 121 Families (331 People) in Toshima Ward! "8th Children's Clothing Market in Sunshine City"

Sunshine City Group (Ikebukuro, Tokyo) partnered with local organizations, including the Certified NPO Toshima Kodomo WAKUWAKU Network, to hold the "8th Children's Clothing Market in Sunshine City" on Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th, primarily distributing children's clothing to families raising children in Toshima Ward. On the day, 121 households (331 people) visited, and 1,076 items of children's clothing, collected through "Children's Clothing Collection Boxes" set up within Sunshine City and donated by companies and organizations, were distributed. Amidst rising living costs burdening families raising children, this initiative aims to support household finances and reduce clothing waste by circulating still-wearable clothes within the community.

Scenes from the Children's Clothing Market

Features of the "Children's Clothing Market in Sunshine City"

- Since its first event, a cumulative total of 1,268 households (3,240 people) have visited, and 15,605 items of children's clothing have been distributed.

- Contributes to both reducing household financial burdens and environmental impact by connecting still-wearable clothes to families in need, rather than discarding them.

- An initiative that unites industry, academia, government, and citizens in cooperation for the children of Toshima Ward, with the support of Toshima Ward.

- An event that invites families in need and allows children to experience intergenerational exchange and the joy of choosing clothes together with their families.

Children's clothing is often outgrown quickly as children grow, leading to many items being stored in homes while still wearable or being discarded. Furthermore, with ongoing price increases, families raising children face higher living expenses for clothing and daily necessities. In response to these challenges, Sunshine City Group has continuously held the "Children's Clothing Market" to connect locally collected children's clothing with families in need, primarily in Toshima Ward. With the support of Toshima Ward, this activity involves collaboration among local residents, NPOs, universities, government, and companies to support families in the community.

Student volunteers and community staff also participated in the operations on the day, and attendees were seen choosing clothes with their children and enjoying the special game corner. Participating parents commented, "It's a great help because children outgrow clothes so quickly," and "It's heartwarming to see clothes circulating within the community."

Sunshine City will continue to work with Toshima Ward and companies and people involved in the community to watch over the healthy growth of children and expand the circle of support for child-rearing in the community.

*This press release can be downloaded here: d20364-1127-796bb7cba687331c2e3b95ec51d1c43d.pdf

Comments from Sponsors

transcosmos inc. (Located in Sunshine 60)

We view this initiative as a continuous social contribution activity and are encouraging participation not only at our Ikebukuro headquarters but also at our branches nationwide. It is conducted in cooperation with Sunshine City, providing an opportunity that even first-time employees can participate in with peace of mind. It has become a well-established activity within the company, and this time, a total of 174 items, including clothing and stationery, were donated by employees. Employees who participated in the operations on the day commented, "Interacting with people of various ages, I felt that we were able to contribute even a little to the local community," and "Through warm interactions, I was reminded of the importance of social contribution." We will continue to engage in social contribution activities while cherishing our connections with the community and deepening each employee's understanding of social issues.

Papasmile Inc.

"Baby Tech Award," a contest evaluating apps and home appliances useful for pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare. From the award-winning products, we introduced the free app "at Claps" (by C.E.C. Inc.) which allows printing of paper toys that children can enjoy, and many visiting children played with coloring pages printed with at Claps. We had various interactions, such as children diligently coloring, saying "I'll show it to Mom when it's done," while their parents chose clothes; children enjoying themselves with smiles throughout with their moms and dads; and children happily chatting with high school volunteers while coloring. It was a meaningful time where we confirmed that technology can be used to create opportunities for parents and children to enjoy themselves with less effort.

NAMJATOWN

Nyan-ja-!

It was so much fun meeting so many friends again, Nyan! We took pictures, chatted, and you petted me... I was so happy when some of you gave me wonderful origami gifts, Nyan~♡

I hope you'll play with me, Najamii, and Mojavu again! Thank you, Nyan~!

©Bandai Namco Experience Inc.

<Najavu>

Najavu Nanja, the symbol of Namjatown. A male calico cat born only once in ten thousand (they say you'll be happy if you meet me, Nyan). His charm point is the back of his head, which looks like a steamed bun.

Takahashi Shoten Co., Ltd. (Located in Sunshine 60)

We are very pleased to have been involved in "gentle connections" once again. This time, in addition to children's clothing and books donated by employees, we donated 509 books, including 10 types of children's books such as riddles and origami. Our company has been working to "support and enrich our customers' daily lives" through the creation of books and planners that accompany daily life and learning. We deeply sympathize with this initiative.

We hope that children will encounter paper books, feel the joy of new discoveries and learning, and expand their own worlds. We also hope that the books and clothes delivered this time will lead to "I want to try it" and "I want to know," and in turn, to the smiles of other children. We will continue to contribute to initiatives that support the healthy growth of children.

Comments from Volunteer Participants

Rikkyo University Students

- I felt that how adults interact can be a catalyst for children's growth, so I focused on making it a good experience that remains in their memories, not just something they enjoyed.

- Through this activity, I realized that children's "I did it!" experiences are very valuable. We were the ones who created them, and although it was a challenging part, I think this realization came after overcoming it.

- I learned the importance of approaching people according to their needs.

From the Sunshine City Group "Children's Clothing Market Executive Committee"

As a company engaged in community development, the "Children's Clothing Market" is an initiative planned by considering what we can do for the children and families raising children in the community. Thanks to everyone's cooperation, we were able to successfully hold the 8th event. Through donations of children's clothing and other means, we have received the cooperation of many community members, companies, and organizations, and we have been able to expand the circle of community connections with each passing event. We would like to express our sincere gratitude once again to everyone who has cooperated.

Going forward, the Children's Clothing Market Executive Committee will continue to work on creating a system where not only families but also the community as a whole can be involved in the healthy growth of children by connecting industry, academia, government, and citizens.

〇 Voices from Visitors (Excerpts from survey responses)

- It was great again this time. The children could play games, and I could look at clothes leisurely in the meantime. There were many sizes and most were clean.

Especially for my older child, buying clothes is expensive, so this is very helpful.

- The venue space felt spacious, and it was a very good event where I could browse without much stress.

- There were so many wonderful clothes, and it was fun to choose. Moreover, all the clothes were very cute.

- I feel that the clothing are reusable and also convenient and also wearable.

- It's a very appreciated event. My child enjoyed choosing clothes with me and also playing at the event.

- It was great to receive not only clothing but also books and miscellaneous goods. Thank you very much.

Event Overview

Event Period: June 13 (Sat) 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, June 14 (Sun) 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Sunshine City Office

Eligible Items: Children's clothing from 80cm to 130cm

Recipients: A total of 121 households (331 people) in Toshima Ward who applied in advance (1,076 items of children's clothing distributed)

Organizers: Sunshine City Corporation, Certified NPO Toshima Kodomo WAKUWAKU Network

Sponsor: Toshima Ward

Cooperation: Universities in Toshima Ward, companies with ties to Toshima Ward and the organizing bodies cooperated.

Toshima City Residents' Social Welfare Council, Rikkyo University Volunteer Center, R.S.C. Inc., Victoria Co., Ltd., OhMyFamily Inc., Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc., STUDIO201, Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide, Inc. (Sunshine City Prince Hotel), Takahashi Shoten Co., Ltd., Tokyo Citizen's Mutual Aid Cooperative, transcosmos inc., Papasmile Inc., Bandai Namco Amusement Inc., Fidelity Investments, Heiwado Pharmacy, Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd., MUFG Bank Ikebukuro Branch, Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company, Giving Shelf (Hiroo Gakuen High School)

For Reference

<Initiative to first donate children's clothing etc. to Toshima Ward Community Centers> (Released August 4, 2023)

https://co.sunshinecity.co.jp/press-room/news-release/2023-8-4-2.html?year=2023

<Cumulative Results up to the 8th Event>

Children's clothing provided: 15,605 items, Number of households visited: 1,268 households, Number of visitors: 3,240 people

*This press release can be downloaded here → https://prtimes.jp/a/?f=d20364-1127-796bb7cba687331c2e3b95ec51d1c43d.pdf

*Contents and schedule may change or be canceled depending on the situation.

*Images are for illustrative purposes.

------------------------------------------------------------

Sunshine City Overview

Location: 3-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Business Hours: Varies by facility

Inquiries: Sunshine City General Information 03-3989-3331

https://sunshinecity.jp/

​------------------------------------------------------------