Disaster relief in Japan simplified: How you can get involved
We've all seen the disturbing images from Japan. Cities washed away and families destroyed, empty shelves in grocers and an ongoing nuclear crisis. The images have left most of us reeling with shock, and left many of us wishing we could help in any way possible.
With all the international aid agencies and websites claiming to offer support and asking for donations, it can be difficult to sort out the scams from the legitimate relief efforts. With transportation and communications in shambles in the devastated nation, it can be difficult to directly send supplies or get through to people on the ground. Instead, most agencies prefer a monetary donation which can help pay for the clothing, shelter, food and medical supplies desperately needed.
To help you get involved, 680News listed some of the best options available to those who want to lend more than their thoughts and prayers.
1) Giving money online through various aid agencies. This tends to be the most simple and direct option for supporting Japan in their time of need. Online agencies can disperse the money directly to the ground and ensure those most in need get supplies.
GlobalGiving is an organization that works in partnership with relief agencies on the ground in Japan, and distributes funds to organizations like
Save the Children and the
International Medical Corps. Other options include organizations such as the
Canadian Red Cross and
Doctors Without Borders.
2) Send money through your phone or smartphone. This is another simple and efficient way to donate financial support to the relief efforts.
UNICEF is one organization that is accepting donations through text messages. Texing JAPAN to 864233 will automatically donate ten dollars from your next phone bill. The Red Cross also accepts money through text messages or phone calls, along with dozens of other organizations.
3) Sign up as an international aid worker. While it is certainly not for the feint of heart, some organizations offer opportunities for people to get involed as on-the-ground aid worker. The Canadian Red Cross offers a program for young professionals to act as junior delegates for short-term assignments. The one catch is, previous experience with The Red Cross is required.
4) Sign up as a volunteer at home. It may not share the glamour (or risk) of working as an international aid worker, but aid agencies at home are often understaffed, especially in times of crisis. Applying to be a volunteer for agencies such as The Red Cross or UNICEF will allow you to have a huge impact on the crisis all the way from Canada.
5) Spread awareness. As in many cases, knowledge is power. Spreading awareness through social media sites like Twitter or Facebook, writing blog entries or simply talking to friends and family about the need for aid helps to raise awareness, and in turn support.