Recently, Ayame Kai Guild supported the organization in 2021 with the purchase of new, round tables for the residential dining rooms of Nikkei Manor. The Guild also purchased several air purifiers and radio headsets for activities in 2021. Without the ability to hold major events to raise money, the Guild experimented with different avenues during the height of the pandemic. Many members of the crafters group persevered during COVID, by creating handicrafts such as microwave cozies, more masks, zabuton, neck coolers, doing much of the work at home, individually, since they could not hold workshops or meetings for most of the year. One generous in-kind donor provides space in her hair salon to sell crafters’ products. Other donations included discounts on supplies, fabric, especially those with Asian designs and vintage rice sacks. Also, AK members and KNW employees generously supported one another by purchasing from crafters.

Ayame Kai Guild wrapped up a successful arts & crafts fair raising funds for Keiro Northwest’s programs, with plans to host another on December 10. More details to come.