Launch of 'Ohisama Members': A Community Connecting Sustained Supporters

Certified NPO Keep Smiling (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Board Chair: Yuki Mitsuhara; hereinafter 'Keep Smiling') has launched 'Ohisama Members,' its first organized community for individual and corporate recurring donors. This initiative positions supporters as 'partners' who sustain the organization's activities, visualizing their relationships and developing a new community to support families accompanying hospitalized children.

■ Background: The challenge of visibility for recurring donors
'Hospital accompaniment'—staying with a child during hospitalization—imposes a significant burden on families, yet it has remained an under-recognized social issue. Keep Smiling has addressed this through food support, provision of daily necessities, information dissemination, and advocacy, thanks to the support of companies, local groups, and individual donors.
Among these, monthly supporters are vital for stable operations. Many choose recurring donations from the start, contributing to a sustainable support base. However, these circles of support have remained fragmented, making it difficult for donors to feel connected to others who share the same vision.

■ Content 1: What is 'Ohisama Members'?
'Ohisama Members' is a recurring donation program starting from 1,000 yen per month, designed to provide long-term support for hospitalized children and their families.
- Visualizing that supporters are 'partners' in the same cause.
- Designed for flexible engagement (donations, sharing, participation).
- Continuous sharing of progress and outcomes.
The concept is 'Accompanying the days of hospital stays.' It uses the metaphor of the 'sun' (Ohisama) as a warm, watchful presence to represent the relationship of support.

■ Content 2: Significance and Future Outlook
This initiative goes beyond merely naming a program; it advances the very nature of support. It aims to transform individual 'points' of support into a 'network,' fostering empathy and tangible results, and building long-term relationships. This allows supporters to feel how their involvement impacts society and understand the 'meaning of continued engagement.' Currently, about 300 supporters are participating, with a goal to reach 500 this fiscal year.
Future plans include:
- Enhancing communication (launching SNS groups).
- Diversifying participation opportunities (volunteering for cooking or packing support goods).
- Further visualization of activities (welcome kits, thank-you letters, reporting sessions).

■ Message from the Board Chair
'From my own experience, I know that in the situation of hospital accompaniment, not only the child but also the family by their side bears a heavy burden. We have been able to continue our activities because of the many people who support us. However, the thoughts of each individual were often invisible to one another. We created 'Ohisama Members' to visualize these supports as a 'connection' and to build a relationship where those with the same vision can feel they are moving in the same direction, even if loosely. Improving the environment for hospital accompaniment takes time. That is why it is crucial to have a system where individual efforts are connected and people can continue to be involved in a way that is comfortable for them. We will continue to walk with many people toward a society where children and their families can remain smiling in any situation.'

■ About Certified NPO Keep Smiling
Keep Smiling is a certified NPO that supports families accompanying hospitalized children. It focuses on food and material support for families nationwide and works to improve the environment for hospital accompaniment.