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KIDS FOR KAGA
since 1968


Who are we?

Kids for Kaga is a student exchange program for students 13-18 years of age.

Why and when were we formed? 
Dundas became twinned with the City of Kaga 40 years ago for the purpose of promoting world peace. Kaga is situated on the seacoast of Japan's main Island north of Kyoto.

What do we do?
Since 1968 students from Dundas have traveled to Kaga where they stay with Japanese families. Normally there are no other foreigners in the city except the Canadians, thus they experience true Japanese life. Dundas students visit Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Tokyo, and attend cultural events.  Likewise, Kaga students have come to Dundas, and lived with host families here  to experience Canadian life.

When is the next exchange to Japan?
Summer of 2011 for ca. 3 weeks.
For  information please contact
Matthew Ormond mattofeleven@gmail.com (905) 304-0286
Janice Schreiber j.schreiber@teksavvy.com
Evelyn Kelch evelynkelch@interlynx.net
Lan Whiting whiting@interlynx.net (905) 627-1082
 Dundas-Kaga Student Exchange: Our Story
 

After WWII, Kaga city in Japan made a declaration for world peace in response to the call for a unified world made by Nobel laureate Dr. Hideki Yukawa. The twinning of Dundas and Kaga was initiated by an exchange of letters between Dundas Mayor Leslie Couldrey, Dr. Hanna Newcombe (of the Peace Research Institute in Dundas) and Kaga Mayor Higashino.  The Dundas initiative was supported by many "world as one" citizen groups such as the Dundas Lions Club.  The official declaration of Kaga-Dundas twinning occurred in Kaga on March 21, 1968.  In Dundas the official twinning ceremony was held at Dundas Driving Park Band Shell on  September 21, 1968. On December 3, 1968, Canadian Ambassador H.O. Moran and Kaga Mayor Higashino signed the twinning proclamation in Kaga.  Dundas became the first mundialized municipality in North America. The twinning of Kaga and Dundas is the longest lasting East-West  exchange program and a unique way to build world peace through student exchanges as well as municipal exchanges.

Two twin city committees were established in Kaga and Dundas to facilitate the student exchange. In Kaga the sister committee was named Dundas Tomo-no-kai, in Dundas the corresponding sister committee was named Kids for Kaga. The first exchange took place in 1970.  The first exchange group led by teacher Julie Ashcroft consisted of  32 students and chaperones left Dundas on June 16,1970 for three weeks of exchange. The first exchange Kaga students and chaperones of 46 arrived in Dundas on August 1, 1971.  Many strong family ties have been formed between the students and the families through the "home stay" (hosting) program, and regular exchanges between Kaga and Dundas have continued on a three year regular rotation.


 Executive Committee

President
Matthew Ormond		 Archivist
Lan Wei Whiting
Treasurer
Eric Bentzen-Bilkvist		 Student Reps
Nick Worthington (picture), Maddie Tye
Directors
 Jane Mulkewich, Keith Perry
Language Teachers
Miki Ariki, Haruyo Ostofi, Sumiko Nogami		 Past Presidents
D.W. Carment, Elsie Hunt, Roland Mills, Don Judges, Marilynn Adair, David McCann, Arlene Macksey, Yvette Beach, Trish Somer, Linda Charko, Robert Charko, Julianne Burgess.

 Exchange Trips
 

2008 - 13th Exchange
Dundas Group, 7.30 -  8.15   [Photos]
Chaperones: Matthew Ormond, Janice Schreiber
Students: Aeden Ormond, Ben Slater, Bethany Schreiber, Holly Slater, Katherine Diemert, Paige Kellner, Sarah Craske (7)
   
 

2005/2004 - 12th Exchange
Dundas Group, 8.8 -  8.19  [Photos]
Chaperones: Robert & Linda Charko, Keith Perry
Students: Dana Bentzen-Bilkvist, Danica Karl, Janine Charko, Julia Van Barkel,  Kendra Karl, Maddie Tye, Nick Worthington, Rebecca Pullen, Sara Van Barkel, Taryn Karl, Victoria Patterson (11)
2004 12th exchange

Kaga Group, 8.8 -  8.19  [Photos]
Chaperones: Kazuo Miyashita, Miyoko Kidoguchi, Keiko Ohyama
Students: Aki Kinuta, Anna Takasaki, Ayaka Fukada, Ayaka Nagoya, Junichi Katajima, Kazuhiro Kuriyama, Kouki Minamoto, Mako Komano, Miho Fukuda, Nanae Higashi, Taisei Hayashi, Tomoki Yuminami  (12)
   
 

2002/2001 - 11th Exchange
Dundas Group, 7. 29 - 8. 16  [Photos]
Chaperones: Jan Southall, Jan Falcone.
Students: Alison MacKenzie, Bobby Qichtey, Bryce Harbroe, Elise Smith, Emily Smith, Jenn Evans, Jeremy Mullins, Julia Falcone, Kirsten Bentzen- Birkvist, Mathew Kidney, Mike Wilmott, Miranda Ciarroni, Stephen Charko, Taryn Goba, Keith Perry  (15)
2001 11th exchange

Kaga Group, 8.14 - 8.24  [Photos]
Chaperones: Shinobu Tsuji, Finn MacKesy
Students: Keiko Kidoguchi, Keiko Tanaka,  Mariko Tsuiji, Mina Nakamichi, Minako Tsuto, Miwa Kamiya, Miyuki Kadoya, Naoki Shinoda, Takajuki Kuriyama

Russ Powers meeting Kaga Mayor Osaka
   

1999/1998 - 10th Exchange

Dundas Group, 7. 29 - 8. 16 [Photos]
Chaperones: Susan Denholm, Wuchow and Shirley Than
Students:  Aili Than, Alix Stosic, Caroline Whiting, Craig Walkling, David Charko, Hsinwen Than, Jeff McKenna, Julie Barasevic, Matt Kustra, Natasha Smith, ANick Giles, Zach Somer. (12)
1998 10th exchange

Kaga Group, 7.31 - 8.16  [Photos]
Chaperones: Shigeru Matsunaka 松中  滋, Tsutomu Miyamoto 宮本  勉, Yumiko Josha  定者裕美子,  Ikuo Matsubara  松原郁男, Seiji Daimaruya　大丸谷清治
Students: Ayumi Ogawa, Ayumi Sakashita, Emi Matsui, Eriko Kajioka, Ikue Katsurada, Genichi Nakamura, Hiroko Nakade, Hitomi Tomita, Kana Shinohara, Mai Minamoto, Masanori Yamato,Miki Kawahigashi, Misako Ishita, Mitsuko Oyama, Miyuki Ueno, Naomi Sakanoshita, Naoyuki Kinoshita, Nozomi Nakagawa, Rumi Nakagawa, Ryoko Shinya, Ryouta Nakamura, Ryouta Nakamura, Sawako Kitade, Shiho Miyakawa, Shinji Miyashita,Shuuichi Kimura, Taro Kitamuraya, Tomohiro Shinoda, Tomokazu Hayashi, Tsukasa Minamide, Yasuko Taya (30)
     

1996/1995 - 9th Exchange
Dundas Group, 7. 26 - 8.14 [Photos]
Chaperones: Yvette Beach, Finn Mackesy
Students: Breanne McKenna, Brett Walkling, Chariece Fritz, Emily Whiting, Josh Somer, Krista Denholm, Lisa Critchley, Meagan Brooks, Renee Beach, Terri-Lynn Frid. (10)
1995 9th exchange

Kaga Group, 7. 28 -  8. 18  [Photos]                                           
Chaperones: 粟田正則, 西出妙子, 下中健生, 皇山三德
Students: 13  female students, 4 male students  (17)
     

1993/1992 - 8th Exchange
Dundas Group , 7.31 - 8.18 [Photos]
Chaperones: John & Brenda McKenna, Gloria Mallay, Robert & Myrna Pond.
Students: Adam Gaffney, Alison Gardner, Alyssa Brierley,  Amy Bernstein,  Amy Luscombe, Andrew Turkstra, Chasta Fritz, Jeffrey Rowthorn, Kristian Weller, Laura Matthews, Leanne Rowthorn, Matthew Perron, Matthew Watts, Michael Rotenberg, Nadia Mallay, Paul Kiely, Robert McKenna, Tricia Jordan. (18)
1992 8th excahange

Kaga Group, 8.3 -  8.20 [Photos]
Chaperones: 三谷峻平, 浜  洋, 山本和浩, 山下治代, 宫下一夫
Students: 21 female students, 9 male students (30)

   
 

1990/1989 - 7th Exchange
Dundas Group,  7.28 - 8.18 [Photos]
Chaperones: Joseph & Marilyn Hollick, Hartmut & Hilda Hennig, Patrick & Arlene Mackesy, Joyce Evans
Students: Bradley Isaacs, Bradley Jordan, Cathy Mallay, Chantel Fritz, Charles Gaa, Christopher Matthews, Cori Lee Fajertag, Emily Middleton, Finn Mackesy, Greg Pond, Jamie Mottola, Janine Beach, Jason Harmer, Jay Hall, Joey Mottola, Kirsten Weller, Laura Hollick, Laura Raes, Mark Raes, Mark Turkstra, Melissa Simser, Michelle Kiely, Paul Campanelli, Paul Turkstra, Peter Rock, Rob Grigsby, Scott Powers, Tom Gardner, Tracey Rowthorn, Victoria Watts.(30)
1989 7th exchange

Kaga Group, 8.1 -  8. 20  [Photos]
Chaperones: 福村悦雄, 大庭保夫, 上本元美, 篠田恭子
Students: 25 female students, 8 male students (33)
     
 

1987/1986 - 6th Exchange

Dundas Group, 7.28 -  8.19 [Photos]
Chaperones: David & Sharon McCann, John & Janet Evans, Ken & Lin Johnson
Students: Alison McCann, Camilla Vejvalka, Carolyn Evenden, Chris Martire, Christine Washington, Dayna Pond, Derek Hennig,  Devin Mackesy, Dean Belovari, Jackee Evans, Joanna Sniderman, Julie Fajertag, Julie Hollick, Karen Hauser, Kadri Weiler, Lois Lindsay, Marlyz Swaye, Marnie McCann, Mia Manson, Michelle Morris, Noah Gardner, Nancy Evenden, Pippa Stevenson, Orlee Hauser, Rachel Watts, Sarah Freeman, Sean Johnson, Sheila Boatman (28)  
1986 6th exchange

Kaga Group, 8.1 -  8. 25  [Photos]
Chaperones: 北野  厚, 浜  洋, 谷松智子, 深村富士雄
Students: 19 female students, 7 male students  (26)  

     
  1984/1983 -  5th Dundas Exchange
Dundas Group, 8.2 -  8. 24 [Photos]
Chaperones: Donald & Sheila Judges, Bill & Marilyn Adair, Tom & Carol Redden
Students: Allyson Kriszenfeld, Barbara Russell, Brenda Kudlats, Charlene Weitzman, Charlotte Washington, Cindy Caudle, Heather Bromberg, Jamie Sands, Jennifer Bucknall, Karen Judges, Kathleen kennedy, Lesie Redden, Lisa Bucknall, Lori Buchanan, Marcia Boss, Marta Kudlats, Mary-Ann Campanelli, Meredith Birchall, Michael Gardner, Michael Freeman, Monique Lumsden-Smith, Paul Rempel, Robin Bergart, Susan Evenden, Tom vejvalka, Todd Earl, Tricia Powers, Wendy Halmos. (28)
1983 5th exchange

Kaga Group, 7. 30 -  8. 20  [Photos]
Chaperones: 西村政信, 北野  厚, 宫本  勉, 山向豐子 
Students: 10 female students, 12 male students  (22)
     
  1981/1980 - 4th Exchange
Dundas Group,  7. 23 -  8. 14 [Photos]
Chaperones:  Larry & Gerri Brimberg, Harry & Agnes Campbell, Al & Donna Jackson, Malcalm & Lydia Wilson.  
Students:  Allan Heidebrecht, Barb Caudle, Ben Washington, Bob Walker, Cindy Hannant, Chris Redden, Christina Papkyriakou, Darryl Jackson, Jane George, Jeff Bromstein, Joanne Heidebrecht, Karen Halmos, Kim Judges, Linda Rempel, Lisa McArthur, Lynn Vanderbrug, Nick Mangoff, Peter Lowry, Peter Rotsaert, Philip Kriszenfeld, Sharon Washington, Steven Bromberg, Susan Kidlats, Tracy Jackson, Tracy Suenaga, Tim Evenden. (26)
1980 4th exchange

Kaga Group, 8. 2 -  8. 29 [Photos]
Chaperones: 火田  忠, 富木堅弘正, 福田一男,  浜  洋, 竹森聖子
Students:  25 female students, 4 male students  (29)
     
  1978/1977 - 3rd Exchange

Dundas Group,  7. 20 -  8. 13 [Photos]
Chaperones: Bill & Nancy Lawrence, Bill & Marilynne Adair, Gord & Ann Philip,  Anita Weitzman.
Students:  Adreas Grum, Beth Bromberg, Beth Eisenberg, Brian Anstead, Cary Weitzman, Christian Benger, Craig St-Germain, Debbie Caudle, Ellen Philip, Glen Rempel, Jodie Mangoff, Lisa Miller, Lisa Taylor, Mark Newman, Mark Rotsaert, Mizan Neame, Nicole Rotsaert, Paul Arner, Richard Carter, Roxanne Gentilcore, Sandy Lane, Steve Lawrence, Shawn Suenaga, Tim Hunt, Tracy Ennis. (25)
1977 3rd exchange

Kaga Group, 7. 29 -  8. 27 [Photos]

Chaperones:  久保邦彥, 火田 忠, 西村政信, 北野  厚, 平田恭子,  西出妙子, 荒木惠子. 

Students: 16 female students, 12 male students  (28)
     
  1975/1974 - 2nd Exchange

Dundas Group, 7. 19 -  8. 11 [Photos]
Chaperones: Klaus Pringsheim, Fred & Joan Stroud, Robert & Edna Munn, Roland Mills                

Students:  Beth Holubeshen, Bill Shapiro, Brian Kumer, Brian Miller, Carolyn Stroud, Cathy Goodale, Cheryl Wilson, Cindy Mangoff, David Hunt, Debra-Ann Carter, Diane Mills, Julie Valvasori, Karen Hatch, Karen Woods, Kevin Lane, Laura Suenaga, Linda Wilson,  Marilyn Stroud, Mary Picone, Matt Thompson, Nancy Ennis, Nancy Munn, Paula Benger, Peter Weitzman, Sandra Gold, Tracy Lawrence. (26)  

Kaga Group, 7.25 -  8. 23   [Photos]
Chaperones:  中出邦彦,  福村悦雄, 西出勝雄,  浜  一正, 田中秀彥, 冲野外子.
Students: 19 female students, 13 male students (32)
     
  1971/1970 - 1st Exchange
1971 1st exchange

Kaga Group, 8.1 -  8. 28  [Photos]
Chaperones: 中出邦彦,  久保邦彥, 福村悦雄, 火田 忠,  越後節子.
Students: 25 female students, 16 male students (41)

Dundas Group, 6. 16 -  7. 5 [Photos]
Chaperones: Julie & Frank Ashcroft, R.B. Craik, Laurie Brooks, Diane Brooks.
Students:  Blaine Beemer,  Brenda Casali, Charlene Cook, Charlene McFarlane, CindyEnnis, Dianne Carment, Diane Dittmer, Eddie Watson, Elaine Renshaw, Jamie Williamson, John Ormerod, Jo Ann Beeching, Jim Gilbertson, Kim Carter, Laurie Allan, Leonard Carter, Larry Hunt, Lynne Riddell, Lesley Ashcroft, Mike Egan, Michael Newman, Nancy Ford, Rick Kovacs, Robbie Potter, Sheila Ashcroft, Ted Sheehan, Virginia Craik.(27)
..
 Anniversary Celebrations: Official Delegation Exchanges
2008: 40th Anniversary of Twinning Celebration [Photos]

Kaga, Japan - August 3
Dundas chaperones and exchange students celebrated the 40th anniversary of twinning with Kaga students and host families who have visited Dundas and other sights in Canada since 1970.

Dundas, Canada - October 9
Japanese Consul Tatsuro Koga, Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger, former Dundas mayor Mary Ann & David Seldon (guests of honour, 20th anniversary celebration in Kaga), Dundas Councilor Russ Powers, Hamilton Mundialization president Rein Ende, past Kids for Kaga presidents Arlene & Pat Mackesy, Mrs. D.W. Carment, Mrs. Sheila (Don) Judges, Ronald & Dianne Mills, Bob Charko, head chaperones Julie Ashcroft, Bill & Nancy Lawrence, Jan Southall, Matt Ormond, with hundreds of past and present exchange students, and Lan & Robert Whiting (guests of honour, 30th anniversary celebration in Kaga) celebrated the anniversary in Dundas old Town Hall. The program included the first time display of Dr. Hideki Yukawa's Peace Robe, Dundas Pipes and Drums in full Highland costume, calligraphy, Ikebana, Koto, and Taiko drumming, Japanese Sushi, mochi and Uji tea.

Sakura Japanese flowering cherry planting - Japanese Consul Koga and Mayor Eisenberger planted two sakura trees at the Dundas Town Hall as a gift to commemorate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan & Canada and the 40th anniversary of the twinning of Kaga & Dundas.

Dr.Hanna Newcombe and Mrs. Julie Ashcroft were the honoured recipients of Awards for their pioneering work building World peace.

     
1998: 30th twinning anniversary celebration [Photos]

Kaga, Japan - May 30 - June 2
Drs. Lan & Robert Whiting attended celebration ceremonies in Kaga as official delegates from Dundas.

Dundas, Canada - August 4 - 6
Dundas mayor John Addison welcomed Chairman of Kaga city council Shigenobu Hayashi, Hiroyasu Takenaka and 16 other honourable official delegates to  celebrate our 30th anniversary in Dundas.  A company of Japanese "Noh" theater-players honoured us with a classical play in Dundas Little Theatre.
     
1988: 20th twinning anniversary celebration [Photos]

Kaga, Japan - May 24 - June 6
Dundas Mayor Ann Seldon visited Kaga to celebrate our 20th anniversary of the twinning,

Dundas, Canada - August 19 - 22
Kaga Mayor Matsutaro Yata and city delegates visited Dundas to commemorate our 20th twinning anniversary, a joint art exhibition was held in Dundas.
   
1978: 10th twinning anniversary celebration [Photos]
Dundas, Canada - September 28 - October 8
Kaga Mayor and city delegates visited Dundas to celebrate the 10th twinning anniversary of Kaga and Dundas.
 
1968: Twinning of Kaga and Dundas / 1969: Dundas Lions visit Kaga [Photos]
March 21: Declaration of the twin city status of Kaga and Dundas by Kaga city council.
September 21: Twinning of Kaga and Dundas finalized in Dundas.
December 3: Signing of the twin city proclamation by Canadian Ambassador Moran in Kaga.
   
Official Exchange Gifts
 Received and presented to the city of Kaga since our twinning. [Photos]
 Links

Kids for Kaga