Everyone in the world is aware of what happened in Japan in early 2011. The tsunami, the earthquake and the resulting catastrophe with the Fukushima Nuclear power plant has captured the world's attention and sympathy. It has also triggered a wave of fund raising initiatives from various communities (such as the business community) and organizations (such as charities).
In this blog we showcase, and shamelessly promote,
10 donate-to-Japan websites (run by charities or businesses) that have used creativity, crowdsourcing and/or design to encourage the relief efforts in Japan.
1. Lady GaGa
"We Pray for Japan" wristbands
Lady GaGa launched this initiative within days of the tsunami and has raised over $1.5 million which was donated through the Red Cross.
Visit the site and buy a wristband.
2. Daillly
Group Buying Giving
Group buying site Daillly Using some great Japanese inspired design Daillly have teamed up with Save the Children's Tsunami relief fund to raise some money. A beautiful page to visit and worth the donation.
Visit the site and donate.
3. Apple
"Songs for Japan" Album
In true Apple style they have put their considerable worldwide appeal to good use to support Japan. On their home page at the bottom is "Songs for Japan" you can purchase this through iTunes and donate money whilst getting some great music. Songs for Japan features John Lennon, Justin Beiber, Lady GaGa, Eminem and many many other great artists.
Visit the site and buy the album.
4. Causes.com
Facebook Donations
Causes.com have used their unique Facebook-powered donation platform to has raised over $200,000 for this one cause project alone and there are many others on the site for Japanese relief and fundraisers.
Visit the site and donate.
5. The Salvation Army
Japan Relief Effort
Wherever there are people in need you can find the Salvation Army. Japan's situation is no different. The wonderful volunteers and supporters of the Salvation Army are in Japan and also raising money for Japan globally.
Visit the site and donate.
7. International Medical Corps
Evacuation Centre Support
International Medical corps have provided partnerships for local aide centres, filled supply gaps, and provided technical and logistical support throughout the affected areas of Japan. International Medical Corps has also investigated into the mental effects of disaster recovery such as exhaustion and grief and are providing support in those areas. Donating to them and through them provides not only essential help and care but helps provide these essential services.
Visit the site and donate.
8. eBay
Giving Works
eBay have put their considerable weight behind donating to Japan and raised over $2 million through their "Giving works" strategy. You can either buy products that donate to Japan, sell products and donate the winnings to Japan or donate via Paypal to the cause.
Visit the site and donate.
9. Global Giving
Tsunami Appeal
Global Giving are a worldwide fundraising site and have raised over $3 million in fundraising with less than $300 000 left to meet their target you can get involved and donate to an already phenomenal effort.
Visit the site and donate.
10. DesignCrowd
Donate to Japan T-shirt Appeal
If none of the above tickle your fancy, or you like to wear your heart on your sleeve, check out the
T-shirts for Tohoku initiative (made possible with the support of Japanese expatriate William Brooks). Tohoku was a particular province in northern Japan that suffered terrible damage and needs as much help as possible to re-build. T-shirt designs were created via a
t-shirt design contest on DesignCrowd and $15 from every shirt gets donated to Japan through the Red Cross.
Visit the site and buy a t-shirt.
In conclusion
The efforts to help Japan are ongoing (recovery from this disaster will take months maybe years). For those of us that can give there are many many ways to do this (such as via the sites above). All you need decide is whether to give time, give a donation or buy something that supports a cause. Each way has its positives. If you buy something such a wrist band or t-shirt, not only are you supporting the cause but you're advertising and raising awareness. If you simply donate money this is often a less complicated process that gives a direct injection of funds into a much needed area. You can also donate time and effort by going to an affected place and rolling up your sleeves with clean up efforts or charity work.
The choice is yours, donate time, money or buy something to support the cause!
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Written by DesignCrowd on Tuesday, April 26, 2011
DesignCrowd is an online marketplace providing logo, website, print and graphic design services by providing access to freelance graphic designers and design studios around the world.
