Helping with the Japanese Recovery Effort!

Some people have contacted us about donating money or asking what they might be able to do for the earthquake/tsunami victims. Money and aid is still desperately needed so anything you can do will make a big difference...

As some of you may know my family lives in Miyagi, Japan in the middle of the areas hardest hit by the quake and tsunami so events over the past few weeks have been particularly devastating and close to home. Things really couldn’t be more desperate there and the process of recovery is going to be a long and difficult one. Though its going to take a monumental effort, I’m confident that Japan will rebuild itself, with a stronger sense of community and respect for the environment. I sense that this will be a real catalyst for a change.

Some people have contacted us about donating money or asking what they might be able to do for the earthquake/tsunami victims. Money and aid is still desperately needed so anything you can do will make a big difference. You can read a personal account of the current aid situation here, which gives you some  idea of the heartbreaking current reality. As part of the overall effort, there are a few places that I have personal contact with & I am trying to raise money to help contribute to these directly. I also plan to be back in Japan soon and working in the Miyago area myself, so am sure I will find plenty of other needy causes not covered by the major aid centres.

As an example, I have friends currently helping evacuated families and children in Niigata, where 7000 people have been evacuated from Fukushima due to the damage to nuclear reactor. The government and big support organizations are more focused on providing desperately needed support & aids for shelters, medical services and everyday supplies, however there is a great shortage in providing educational/psychological support for children. My friend and the team of volunteers there are working with elementary to highschool students providing tutoring/counseling services, and need donations to help fund key aspects of these activities.

If you are interested in donating to this or other personal projects, please let me know so that I can provide you with more details.

Some Major Non Profits who we hear are also doing good things. (all international)

AMERICAN RED CROSS
http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main

GLOBALGIVING
http://www.globalgivinag.org/projects/japan-earthquake-tsunami-relief/

SAVE THE CHILDREN
http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6621121/k.3D08/Japan_Earthquake_Tsunami_Relief.htm

DONATE VIA PAYPAL
https://www.paypal-donations.com/pp-charity/web.us/campaign.jsp?cid=-12

BUY A T-SHIRT. All net proceeds go towards the Redcross efforts in Japan.

http://www.threadless.com/product/2836/Rebuild_Japan

Every little bit helps, our sincerest thanks in advance for any contributions you can make!  And if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Peace and love,

Megumi & Scott