Who Are We?

Charity Akita is an unincorporated non-profit voluntary association that works to strengthen the international and Japanese community by providing opportunities for people to connect, and to pass on the legacy of volunteerism in Akita prefecture.

To that end, Charity Akita organizes volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, social gatherings and other events. We strive to support local causes and charities, primarily those located within Akita prefecture and the Tohoku region.

Signing up for our email newsletter is the best way to stay up to date with upcoming events. You can also check out our calendar (following the links above).

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @charityakita !

Our Charter and Constitution

These documents our responsibilities as board members as well as Charity Akita’s purpose and the parameters in which we function.

Our Constitution

Our Charter

Meet the Board!

Executive Director: Sophie Korver

Hello everyone! I’m Sophie, I’m a second-year JET from California, USA living in Yurihonjo. I was Charity Akita’s secretary last year and I’m so excited to continue serving on the board this year!

My favorite thing about CA is the way our events bring together JETs and locals from all over AKita. If you’ve never attended one of our events, please join us – we’d love to have you!

Deputy Director: Theresia McGrath

Hello! I’m Theresia! I am a second-year JET ALT in Akita City and am from Victoria, Australia! Last year I was Charity Akita’s Social Media Coordinator. (I was also 2023’s women’s sumo champion! ( ๑‾̀◡‾́) ).

I love Akita and the community we have and hope that, through our events, we can strengthen community ties while forming great memories!

Treasurer: Stephen Fischer

Hi everyone!
I’m Stephen AKA Sakana-San, a second-year JET from the USA. I’m a big fan of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain trekking, swimming, and outdoor recreational sports. I also like to play tabletop RPGs, board games, and video games.
Akita is a beautiful place with a lot of hidden gems, I look forward to meeting you at our events, creating wonderful connections and indulging memories!

Secretary: Tyron Stewert

Howzit, everybody!
The name’s Tyron Stewart. I’m a Kitaakita City ALT, originally from South Africa.
Only been here for a short while but I’m looking forward to every second of it, including my time as the Charity Akita Secretary!
A bit about me, if you must know, I’m a lover of fantasy and being dramatic when the time calls for it. In my Uni days, I studied Drama and English Literature as my majors and spent a couple years in a Uni Society’s council, so I’ve got a little bit of practice in these sorts of things.
I used to work as a trail guide, so I like to spend time in nature and listening to people’s stories, so I’ve always got ears if you need them!

Social Media Coordinator: Lydia Stuker

こんにちわ。I’m Lydia, a first year ALT from Chicagoland living in Noshiro. Akita and its people have been kind to me, so I am here with Charity Akita to return the favor. I am a social worker by trade and greatly appreciate CA and all the work they’ve done that I am eager to contribute to. Come join us at our events and enjoy yourself while you connect with and give back to the people of Akita and Japan. 行きましょう！

Community Liason Coordinator: Aiya Perrine

Hi there!
My name is Aiya, and I am from a rural area in Virginia in the USA.
I am currently an ALT at a JHS and an ES in Yurihonjo, Akita. I just graduated from university with a double major in Japanese and in linguistics, so I love studying languages and learning about different cultures. Besides that, I enjoy socializing with my friends, eating new foods, travelling, and exploring the outdoors.
I’m very excited to help advocate for this prefecture’s community and to meet all of you at future Charity Akita events!

Community Liason Coordinator: Aiya Perrine

Hi~ My name is Rose and I am a first year CIR for the Board of Education in Akita City. I am originally from Haiti but been a long-time resident of good old Gator country, Florida. I am very much an introvert but I love studying languages and interacting with people from different backgrounds! So, I am really excited to have the opportunity to be part of Charity Akita. In my free time I enjoy weightlifting and finding a new coffee shop to try out.