The Children of Autumn Foundation is one step closer to bringing a hyperbaric chamber to Jasper, thanks to a generous donation from Oka Sushi’s “chopstick locker” program.
Chef Tatsuhiko Okazaki and his wife, Rieko, presented the local organization with a cheque for $3,075, April 1, at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, where the restaurant is located.
“We’re just so grateful,” said Grace Kohn, the organization’s treasurer. “Every dollar helps.”
The organization has been raising money for the machine since 2009 and to date has just over $20,000 in its coffers.
According to Health Canada, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is recognized as an effective treatment for 13 conditions, such as carbon monoxide poisoning or decompression sickness, also known as the bends.
The federal agency acknowledges it can also be used to treat other conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and stroke, but states that there is no scientific proof to support these claims.
According to Kohn, a new hyperbaric chamber costs around $100,000, however the organization intends to buy a used one for about half the cost. She said the closet hyperbaric chamber is currently located in Edmonton.
This is the eighth year Oka Sushi has collected money from customers—who in turn keep a pair of specially crafted Japanese chopsticks in one of 60 lockers at the sushi bar. The minimum cost for a locker is $50 annually, although larger donations are always welcome. The money raised is given to a different charity each year.
“It’s wonderful to give it back to all the people who have supported Oka Sushi over the last eight years,” said Okazaki.
Paul Clarke
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