Japan: Some Ways To Help

The earthquake and tsunami that shook Japan, coupled with the nuclear episodes that followed, make for what prime minister Naoto Kan is calling the country’s worst crisis since World War II.


There are many ways to help. The Red Cross is collecting funds for victims and for relief, which can be made at its Web site here or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 from a mobile phone. (Each text is a $10 donation.) GlobalGiving.org has created a Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund, disbursing donations to organizations like Save the Children and International Medical Corps to provide support on the ground. To date, it has raised more than $300,000. Lady Gaga has also been quick to lend support. The singer tweeted about the Japanese prayer bracelet she’s designed and is selling to aid relief efforts. Proceeds from the $5 bracelet (stamped “We Pray for Japan”) will be donated. (Buy it here.)

While the major news outlets are providing round-the-clock coverage, a more personal point of view has emerged perhaps unexpectedly from within the fashion community. Japanese Streets, one of the oldest and most respected of the local street-style blogs, stopped posting as of Thursday. Since then, its founder, photojournalist Kjeld Duits, has been reporting from the city of Sendai, where the tsunami following the quake hit, and putting the updates on his public Facebook page.

Source: Style.com