It's been a little over a week since the earthquake and tsunami struck Japan. Aftershocks, fear of nuclear meltdown and winter weather conditions are currently hampering relief and recovery efforts. Like the rest of the world, I've watched the destruction and utter devastation from afar with heartbreak and a sense of helplessness. The enormity of this tragedy feels so overwhelming that it's hard to know where to begin to help. I've been so inspired this week by everyone that has been moved to assist in any way that they can. If you have a few moments, here is a small list of individuals, smaller charities and fundraisers that have come across my radar:
1) One of my favorite local blogs: Abby Try Again. Abby is an incredible photographer and she is offering a special print for the purposed of raising funds. $8.00 from the sale of each print will go to the Red Cross relief efforts. She is also contributing 20% of her sales in her Etsy store to the Red Cross through today (3/20).
2) For Japan With Love:
An effort spearheaded by Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours, For Japan With Love is an effort to raise funds to purchase shelter boxes. "ShelterBox provide emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters at the time when they need it the most. Each large green ShelterBox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items." The amazing thing to me is that the initial goal was to try and raise enough funds for five of these boxes ($5000.00). At last check they had raised over $51,000.00!! That's just freaking amazing.
3) Studentsrebuild.org - "Help Japan by making paper cranes. These simple yet powerful gestures will trigger a $200,000 donation from the Bezos Family Foundation - $2 for each crane received - to Architecture for Humanity's reconstruction efforts in Japan." This is a great way to incorporate your children into the conversation on whatever level works for your family.
4) Architecture for Humanity - "Our team will focus on providing a suite of design and construction services as well as construction financing for small 'urban acupuncture' centers; transitional shelters, health clinics, community structures, schools, hospitals and civic structures."
5) Austin Bakes for Japan!! April 2!!
If you are local (ATX) please follow this link to join us and see how to contribute by donating funding/pledging to bake or to get more information on how to attend the Bake Sale on April 2nd. (Image from Austin Bakes for Japan).
*If you have read this far...thank you. And if you have been moved by any other charities or fundraising efforts for Japan, please share them with us in the comments section here on the blog.*
Blessings,
Jote