Giveinstead.sg Founder Featured in Hokkaido Shimbun for Supporting Families in Furano

We’re honored that Hokkaido Shimbun, one of Japan’s leading regional newspapers, featured our founder Shoken Tsurumaru for his work supporting families in Furano through the Furapera Community Aid Network. Furapera was born from Giveinstead.sg’s mission to make giving part of everyday life.

Over multiple trips to Furano, Shoken and his family helped deliver food aid like noodles and canned goods, and built partnerships with local non-profits such as Miraito, which operates Food Bank Furano. Together with volunteers, the team has raised funds, coordinated food distributions, and supported underserved families and seniors. Furapera has also provided translation help and small business support for local enterprises, helping them reach new audiences and strengthen community resilience.

What began as a small act of kindness has grown into a cross-border movement that connects Singapore and Hokkaido through shared compassion and action.

“Furano feels like a second home to me,” Shoken says. “Even small acts of giving can make a big difference when done with sincerity.”

We are deeply grateful to Hokkaido Shimbun for telling this story, and to our Japanese partners and volunteers who continue to make these efforts possible.