Wendy Brandes Jewelry Blog

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Japan Crisis Links for Fashion Bloggers

Want to help? Here is a short list of organizations to which you may donate money in the wake of the devastating earthquake/tsunami in Japan.

  • The American Red Cross explains how it works during a crisis.  Read, learn, and click Donate Funds in the upper right corner of the screen.
  • The American Red Cross is sending the funds it collects to the Japanese Red Cross. If you want to donate to the Japanese Red Cross directly, click here. The page also includes links to UNICEF, Save the Children and International Medical Corps.
  • The Salvation Army promises that 100% of funds will be sent to its Japan operations.
  • Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders has an 11-member team in northeast Japan. Click the Donate Now button on the linked page.
  • ShelterBox distributes aid boxes that each supply up to 10 people with a tent and essential equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless.
  • Save the Children is asking for donations to its Children’s Emergency Fund.
  • The International Fund for Animal Welfare is assessing animals’ needs.
  • You can also contribute to animals via Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support.
  • The exception to the rule about not sending supplies is Operation USA, which is seeking corporate donations of bulk quantities of disaster-appropriate supplies.
  • The Japan Society says it is vetting the organizations that will have the most impact. I like that!

More comprehensive lists can be found here:

As I’ve written before, it makes more sense for most individuals to contribute financially than to attempt to send actual — possibly inappropriate supplies — to hard-to-reach areas. It’s also okay to wait to donate. According to the New York Times, charities aren’t able to do much on the ground at this point. Rebuilding will take years, so you’ll have plenty of time to donate later. Consider putting “Remember Japan” in your calendar six months from now and reviewing your charity options at that time.

To understand how to be a good donor, check out these sites:

News sources:

If you’re looking for people in the earthquake/tsunami area, try Google’s People Finder.

Fashion businesses that are providing aid include:

  • Beladora.com will donate a portion of all March jewelry sales to the Red Cross.
  • UNIQLO’s parent company describes its actions here.
  • Coach is contributing approximately $5 million to the Japanese Red Cross.
  • Shophound lists some of the other efforts.

Here are reports from bloggers who are in or were in Japan: