Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Stand Up for Japan!!

On March 11, a massive 8.9/9.0 magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific Ocean nearby North Eastern Japan causing damage with tsunami, blackouts, fire, and nuclear power plant explosion. According to BBC, the extremely destructive tsunami waves were about 7.3 meters (23.9 ft) travelled up to 10 km (6 mile) inland in 30 minutes after the earthquake. The tsunami swept out all the houses and cars and destroyed whole villages and cities. As of March 15, Japan National Police Agency reported that the number of people missing and the death accounted for about 6086, and the death in Miyagi region (the most damaged area) alone could reach 10,000. Also, the huge numbers of survivors have been gathered in school gyms, community buildings, and emergency shelters, and some who have failed to escape are still isolated and waiting to be rescued without any hope. Now, many people are still without fresh water, food, heat and electricity.

Stand Up for Japan is established by a group of Vancouver Island University Japanese students. On March 14, the first meeting was held to share information and feelings about this disaster and to discuss possible charity project. In the begging, the university faculty members and Tamagawa Gakuen University instructor facilitated the group discussion to start off. We found out that, in the group, some of us could contact family and friends, but some could not. Those who are still waiting for contacts shared their frustration of not being able to do anything, unlimited worries about their love ones, and sadness of losing hometowns. However, they indicated their positive attitude and many people discussed “even if it may be little, I wanted to do something.” After the meeting, the students who wanted to make an action have discussed what we can do now for Japan, and the Stand Up for Japan project has begun. The purpose of Stand Up for Japan project is to raise fund and to send messages for people who are suffering from the earthquake.

In this blog, we would like to share the process of this project. The blog will update the amount of money we have been raised, warm voices from people caring Japanese victims, supports we get from communities, and the use of the donation. After visiting this website, please share this website/project with your family and friends. We really appreciate your all support, comment and donation.

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