GROW WITH OUR GARDEN
2019 Corporate and Donor Memberships Help Grow the Friendship “This Garden continues to raise the profile of our city by providing a unique experience for visitors from around the world.” Chris Spearman Mayor of Lethbridge Nikka Yuko consists of Ni from Nihon (meaning Japan), Ka from Kanada or Canada, and Yuko, which translates as friendship. In sum “Japan Canada Friendship.” The three Imperial Family visits, for the Garden’s official opening, 25th anniversary and the recent 50th anniversary, are indicative of the special relationship that Lethbridge and Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden has with the nation of Japan. As an important regional ally and economic trading partner, Japan is an enduring friend to Canada. 2018/2019 Celebrates the 90th Anniversary of Japan Canada Diplomatic Relationship. YOUR GARDEN, OUR MISSION.
“a Canadian cultural achievement requiring the united efforts of every citizen and organization in the area. It is, therefore, to be considered a project of the City of Lethbridge” “acquaint the residents of and visitors to Alberta with the cultural and historical backgrounds of Japanese gardens and to establish a monument to the contribution made to Canadian culture by Canadians of Japanese origin”
Centennial Committee “Nikka Yuko’s beauty appeals to our aesthetic pleasures. Each component has beauty of its own, the total beauty is greater than the sum of the parts. It is more than just a quiet and beautiful place. There is a cultural exchange, spiritual transfer, peace, goodwill and quality of life. One is at ease with the rhythms and changing beauties of nature. Serenity, calmness and wabi – beauty in simplicity of nature and patina of age are engendered by harmony and balance in the de- sign and maintenance. The mood changes with time of day, the lighting, the sky and the season. We are understanding nature, we are at peace within ourselves. This is Nikka Yuko.”
Dr. Robert Hironaka
These beautifully crafted words, from the late Dr. Robert Hironaka, truly capture the essence of Lethbridge’s Nikka Yuko
Japanese Garden. The Garden is a place of beauty and calmness, a beacon for inclusion and multiculturalism and a place for self reflection and personal growth. In our current social climate, with the never ending 24-hour news cycle, identity politics and eat or be eaten mentalities, we see this Japanese Garden as something much more than an arrangement of beautiful rocks, flowing water and aged wood. It is an oasis of wisdom and virtue which invites us in to reflect and celebrate experiences together.
Not withstanding these challenges, we have considerable opportunity. It was reassuring to see so many residents and visitors connect with the Garden through its 50th anniversary celebration, the second annual Winter Lights Festival and numerous other events and exhibits created at Nikka Yuko. We invite you to join us on our continuing journey of growth while the Nikka Yuko expands with new cultural, historical and horticultural experiences. Today, we are working with the City of Lethbridge towards development of our new Multi-Use Interpretive Centre planned to be up and run- ning in four years.
Our city’s Garden has always required the united efforts of all citizens and so the Lethbridge and District Japanese
Garden Society and Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden invite you to review the enclosed sponsorship opportunities booklet and consider giving back or giving again to a place that is the signature attraction in Lethbridge, Alberta. We invite you to
Grow with our Garden.
Brad Hembroff
President, Board of Directors
Lethbridge and District
Japanese Garden Society
A PLACE FOR EVERYONE...
Friends of the Garden There is a place for everyone at the Garden and the Lethbridge and District Japanese Garden Society is appreciative of every donation. If you register a minimum $25 donation the Garden we will provide a tax receipt. In-kind donations are very appreciated as well.
GARDEN GOAL: Raise $25,000 for the 2019 season
Where we will see growth...
Public Programing Human Resources
• Help support the horticultural, • As a leading Canadian garden cultural and historical programs operating year round, Nikka Yuko that take place in the Garden and is in need of staff to develop our throughout the city. exhibits and programs
• Foster the next generation by Support the Garden donating to the Garden’s School • As a landmark and monument of and Educational Programs. Lethbridge, the Japanese Garden Pavilion Gallery & Exhibits helps make the city appealing to
• Donate to enhance the Garden’s prospective residences and pavilion gallery exhibits, which businesses looking to relocate. In show artistic, cultural and the words author and destination historical artifacts from May to consultant Roger Brooks, October. “tourism is the front door for your non-tourism economic development.
“Get away from the city and connect with nature, a quiet and peaceful place away from all the stress of life, to sit down and relax. Me and my daughter had a chance to wear a yukata, thanks to the two staff that helped us.” Evelyn Sequito Eng NIKKA YUKO JAPANESE GARDEN Corporate & Donor Membership BENEFITS Gardener’s Path | $750—$1499 President’s Path | $2500—$4999
• 1 Voting Membership • 2 Voting Memberships
• 3 Annual Passes • 7 Annual Passes
• 50 Courtesy passes to distribute • 100 Courtesy passes to distribute at donors discretion at donors discretion
• 2 Tickets to the Golden Maple • 4 Tickets to the Golden Maple Board of Directors Reception Board of Directors Reception
• 2 Tickets to opening night of the • 4 Tickets to opening night of the Winter Light Festival Winter Light Festival
Director’s Path | $1500—$2499 Founder’s Path | $5000+ • 1 Voting Membership • 2 Voting Memberships • 5 Annual Passes • 9 Annual Passes • 50 Courtesy passes to distribute at donors discretion • 100 Courtesy passes to distribute at donors discretion • 4 Tickets to the Golden Maple Board of Directors Reception • 6 Tickets to the Golden Maple Board of Directors Reception • 2 Tickets to opening night of the Winter Light Festival • 6 Tickets to opening night of the Winter Light Festival All donors are recognized • Name and Logo on MAIN HOME on the Garden’s website, PAGE of Nikkayuko.com two times in the monthly e-newsletter and the Society’s annual report. Your Support Helps Us
Lethbridge Jazz Society Collaboration Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden works with the Lethbridge Jazz Society to add the Japanese flare into their Lethbridge Jazz and Blues Festival. For the last two years Nikka Yuko has had a night of featuring incredible Japanese or Japanese flavored talents in global Jazz Scene.
Lyndon Penner Horticultural Presentations Celebrated author and horticulturalist Lyndon Penner will be at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden for another year of engaging and entertaining lecture series. Come listen as you learn about Japanese influences in Canadi- an Horticulture or what’s new and trending with Japa- nese Gardens in Japan.
Tad and Tomo Stories Come listen to the unique but often dark Japanese traditional and modern fairy tales. Tad Mitsui brings smiles to faces of all ages as he sits with our mascot Tomo and tells you stories that will have you leaving with your imagination soring.
Ikebana, Calligraphy, Yukata Dressing, Origami , Boneski (Sand Art) and much more…….Your support helps us run these programs for our guests to enjoy. Canada Day Celebration The national holiday is always a special day at the Garden and includes special cultural activities, minyo dancing, taiko drumming and the very best place to view the fireworks.
Water Lantern Evening Nikka Yuko floats water lanterns on the Garden pond as a sign of remembrance for the departed. This powerful and healing ceremony takes place at the end of Obon, and is referred to in Japan as Tōrō Nagashi. Water lanterns are floated to help guide souls back to the spirit world.
Many Garden night programs include anime movies, Godzilla nights, Pokemon- Go evenings, Japanese Urban Legends and much more………... Taiko In the Garden & Other Performances/Demonstrations: Help bring the thunder of taiko drumming to Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. The Garden regularly hosts performances by Lethbridge Community Taiko Association and Hibikya throughout the Garden’s regular season. These dynamic and energetic performances are a highlight of family visits to the Japanese Garden.
We also have had other performances by Koto players, singers and with Performing arts groups such as Shakespeare in the Park. We will continue to look for those unique opportunities to provide different experiences when they present themselves.
Come watch demonstrations from Judo, Karate, Kendo and be amazed with Iaido Sword presentation. What was the purpose of a Samurai ? Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden has a legacy gift donation program. For those that make this caliber of gift, the Society is committed to finding an elegant and enduring place to recognize your contribution. Each legacy gift is special and unique, so please reach out to one of our representatives if you are considering making this commitment to the Garden.
Cleo Mowers (on the left), publisher of The Lethbridge Herald and one of the founding members of the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, poses with Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson prior to the opening of the Garden, in 1965. Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden seeks enduring and mutually beneficial relationships with all donors, sponsors and patrons. As such, the Garden recognizes your contribution as invaluable to the growth, outreach and enhancement of our civic Garden. A member of our Garden team would be happy to help develop a budget, plan and shared vision for your participation in our city’s treasured Japanese Garden.
Michelle Day, Executive Director Winter Light Festival Deadline for 2019/2020 Tad Mitsui, Board of Directors
403 328-3511 | [email protected] Theme “Celebrating the Olympics” 403 328-6230 | [email protected]
OCTOBER 1, 2019 “My family and I were there to take in the Winter Lights Festival. The lights were breathtaking and beautiful. The hot cocoa was delicious and the horse drawn hay rides were a fun addition to the whole magical experience for the family and I. “ THE WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL BRING LIGHT TO THE DARKNESS
Opening Special Logo/name Logo/name Social Media Logo/name Courtesy Contriubtion Night Events Private Event in pamplet on VC Screen Post on website Passes (tickets) Tickets
Piece of the Garden $500 25 2
Gate $750 25 2
Featured Mugo Pine $1000 50 5 Garden Bridge $1500 50 5
Island Maples $1500 50 5
Azumaya & River $2000 50 5 2
Russian Olive $3000 100 5 2
Friendship Bell & Maple $4000 100 5 5
Pavilion $5000 100 5 5
Mt Fuji $5000 100 5 5
Title Sponsor $10,000 2 200 10 10 THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME & CONSIDERATION
For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact
Michelle Day, Executive Director, 403 328-3511, [email protected] Tad Mitsui, Board of Directors & Campaign Lead, 403 328-6230, [email protected]