Hokkaido Community Chest faces crisis after 250 million yen misappropriation

The annual Red Feather Community Chest fundraising campaign began on October 1 amid a major scandal involving the Hokkaido Community Chest. It was revealed that a former secretary-general is suspected of misappropriating approximately 250 million yen in missing funds.

Investigations showed the former official had near-total control over financial assets, including bankbooks, seals, and online banking passwords, without oversight. The individual reportedly forged board meeting minutes to secure loans from financial institutions to cover the embezzled amounts.

The scandal has severely impacted public trust and participation. In Sapporo, street fundraising saw minimal engagement, with only one donor recorded in the first hour. Major corporate partners, including the Aeon Group, have withdrawn support for donation box placements. Furthermore, the number of volunteer organizations participating in street activities in Sapporo is expected to drop by approximately 80% in the 2026 fiscal year.

Experts and legal professionals have criticized the organization's structural failures, noting that relying on a single person for all financial management allowed the misconduct to persist. There are growing concerns that a significant decrease in donations will impact local welfare services, including childcare support, elderly care, and assistance for low-income households.