Appeal January 2004: A Thought of the BF activities in the society which is changing extremely

Kikuo Yoshioka, chairman of BF Committee

A Happy New Year.
The Tokyo YMCA closed last year the Kanda hall called the cradle of the YMCA in Japan. He closed the English Vocational College which is proud of the history of more than 100 years. He evacuated his hotel business. He decreased more than 200 regular staffs to about 80. He will abolish "the Yamate dormitory" which supported poor students by the bargain dormitory expenses during a half century after the World War II. Our Y's Mens Club have the motto to support the YMCA. The aftereffects of the collapse of the bubble economy are spreading to the YMCA in addition to the Japanese economy. I think that we, Y's Men, must cooperate much more and show our power in such difficult times.
We, Y's Men, understand that the BF foundation is used effectively for the BF representative, the youth work, the YMCA World Conference, etc. Also, we understand enough about collecting stamps. The change of the world decreases the use of stamps. I heard that Mr. Fukuo, BF philately of the Asia area, who had cared for us to cash stamps for many years, would retire soon. I fear that, sometime, we lose the activity to cut off stamps and collect them enthusiastically. The proposal to send BF representative from the Tokyo Club is submitted. Please cooperate more, understanding these.