On June 24, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Japan received US$31,100 worth of International Voluntary Aid funds from Japan Post to help children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) disorders in Nepal.

Of the 54 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that received International Voluntary Aid funding from Japan Post, ADRA’s Cleft Lip and Palate Project received the third largest funding. The project began in 1995, and since then has helped more than 1,300 patients who were born with one or more clefts in their upper lip and/or chin.

“We want to express our sincere appreciation for the understanding and cooperation of the many medical workers, volunteers, and supporters who are a part of this project,” commented Toshiya Tsukamoto, executive director of ADRA Japan. “Without them, none of this would be possible.”

The International Voluntary Aid program allocates funding given by postal customers in Japan to NGOs that improve the lives of people all over the world.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, or ethnicity.