On November 5, 2019 (Tue), as part of FC Tokyo players' activities, Hirotaka Mita visited the Donald McDonald House Setagaya House.
【What is the Ronald McDonald House?】
This facility provides affordable accommodation near medical facilities for children and their families who are suffering from serious illnesses. The operation of the house is funded entirely by donations and fundraising from corporations and individuals, and is supported by the activities of local volunteers.
The purpose of this activity is to support children who are suffering from difficult illnesses and are hospitalized for a long period of time, and to encourage the volunteers who are working at the house to support these families. The players will interact with them in order to contribute to the support of the children who are hospitalized for a long period of time. This activity was implemented with the intention of supporting these children.
Mita player interacted with the people who are active in the house, such as making beds in the house and English conversation classes for volunteers, and helping with "sweets making" served during dinner time.
In addition, we listened carefully to the parents who were staying in the house, about the child's illness, their tendency to isolate themselves, and the difficult life they were living with worries and concerns about the child's future.
◇Hirotaka MITA Player Comment
"I was able to visit the Donald McDonald House (Setagaya) for the first time and interact with the families of the patients staying there, as well as the volunteer staff who support them. I was able to hear about their lives in the house and it made me realize that I want to be a source of strength not only through my soccer play, but also in other ways. This experience has inspired me to challenge myself in various activities."
