What originally was a bad situation in Japan early Friday morning became a lot worse when a wall of seawater spread inland, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Japan is located on the ring of fire so while they are somewhat prepared for earthquakes and tsunamis, they are not immune and the damages are probably north of $100 billion. Then there is the incalculable human cost of families separated and loved ones lost. The situation is very tragic, and the situation with the nuclear power plants is serious with untold future consequences.
Here are some ways that Canadians can help:
Online
- Donate at the Canadian Red Cross online. They accept payment via credit card and also via PayPal.
- World Vision is also accepting donations specifically for victims of the earthquake and tsunami.
- Doctors Without Borders currently has teams working in the earthquake and tsunami-damaged areas of Japan.
By phone
- Text ASIA to 30333, and $5 will be added to your next cellphone bill in support of the Red Cross’ efforts in Japan (American AT&T wireless customers can text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10).
In person
- Visit your local bank branch, and inquire about donating toward the Japan effort. Many local branches are accepting donations toward this.
You can find more information on how to help as well as up-to-date information on events at these sites:
National Post: Where Canadians can donate for Japan earthquake, Pacific tsunami aid
The Globe and Mail: Your online guide to helping Japan
I can’t imagine what this situation must be like for people caught in the thick of it. I wish the best for them, and I commend them for their strength in the face of adversity.
Thank’s Kevin for the heads up. I really hope it gets better for all of them. I think the world has been touched by the images. A lot of Japanese are strong, but everybody needs help once in a while… and that is surely a time in which they will.
If everyone does it a little bit, it can help out! Japan is not a poor nation, but all the same, I’m sure they appreciate all of the help pouring in, especially the families that have been the most affected by this disaster. What really moved me was the story of the nuclear plant workers voluntarily taking on the danger in order to help avert a wider disaster. I really hope they succeed.
Thanks for sharing this information. It’s mind-boggling to think of what it must have been like to be right there. The before and after satellite images are remarkable – whole communities just wiped off the map. It was completely violent, merciless destruction by nature.
I read a story about how a 79-year old man was heading for higher ground, but went back to his home quickly to retrieve a photo of his grandchildren. That emotional decision on his part cost him his life.
The situation is tragic all around.
Hopefully there are lessons that can be learned from this, in terms of where communities are located and where power plants are built, that can help future generations put themselves at less risk from the unstoppable forces of nature.
When I was looking for a photo to top the post, I came across several older articles about nuclear power plant accidents due to earthquakes in Japan — it seems that this is something that has happened often though not to the scale of the current crisis. Given that a third of their power comes from nuclear, they won’t be able to transition off of it overnight. A lot will ride on what happens in the next few days, though.
The Japanese always help others when tragedy strikes, so it’s important that we help them right now, just as they do for the rest of the world.
Giving to an organization that has a presence on the ground in Japan is better – and more direct — than giving to an organization that would funnel the money to another group that’s in Japan. For that reason, I love the Red Cross, World Vision and Doctors w/o Borders.
Great post on helping Japan over on your site!
This whole situation is getting more depressing each day. We ended up donating to ‘Save the Children Federation’ through my husband’s work because they matched all donations.
It just feels like it can never be enough. My heart just broke today seeing some people struggle and to make matters worse, it was snowing.
I donated before the company announced a match; it won’t undo the damage but every little bit does help.
It’s getting so depressing. I get a lump in my throat just thinking about it. I think donating money is the least we can do for Japan.
In BC, we had a medical team that volunteered to help with the tsunami and earthquake crisis and they made a decision to come back to Canada after a few days. They said they weren’t prepared to deal with a nuclear disaster.
It just feels like we are all watching, hopeful, waiting…
Hearing stories like the one above of the 79 year old just breaks my heart.
Things are starting to get better; it will be a long time before things are back to normal but it looks like there’s some light at the end of the tunnel.
Hey Kevin
Kudos to you for posting this. This is truly a tragedy and it has really made us pause to think about what is important. I agree if we can all help out a little, it will mean a lot.
Mike
It really made me think about how unexpected things can really happen to any of us…
I work with many Japanese people and they are so deeply affected by this tragedy but feel a very, very strong sense of duty to their country. I admire their dedication and commitment. I don’t have much, but I know that the Japanese Red Cross uses more than 90% of the cash donated on the ground.
I also admire their deep sense of duty and commitment to their families and community. Life is really unpredictable; a few weeks ago who could have expected this to happen?