Roxy Manson of Port Alberni was finally introduced in person to Hideki Ito, Japan’s consulate-general in Vancouver.
Following the devastating earthquake that killed thousands in Japan in 2011, Manson decided to forego birthday presents. She instead asked her friends to make donations so the money could help people affected by the earthquake and tsunami.
Ito has said it is one of the more poignant stories of Canadians’ generosity that he remembers.
Manson, 7, and her family—parents Stacey and Brent and older sister Libby—were invited to a luncheon at the Alberni Golf Course last Friday with Ito and a delegation from Abashiri, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
Ito presented Manson with a small gift as a token of appreciation for her philanthropy. The youngster then turned the tables on Ito, presenting him with $173 in birthday money from her seventh birthday in April.
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