Japan On My Mind

My St. Patrick’s Day post is going to have to wait because right now other matters seem much more important to me. It might seem strange to write about world affairs on a food blog but I can’t help and think about the tragedy that has happened in Japan. Today I feel lucky that all my friends and family are safe and healthy but I can’t help and think about so many in Japan who are not as fortunate today. I have watched tons of footage of the earthquake and tsunami and my eyes see it but it just does not seem real. Being so far away and removed from it all its easy for us to go on with our day to day lives and not think about the suffering that is happening in Japan from this natural catastrophic event.

So I am asking you to open your eyes and hearts. A little will go a long way. Here a tons of organizations that you can donate too. Choose the one that is best suited for you and donate today. Don’t forget the Animal Rescue’s too (towards the bottom). There are animal rescue groups and groups where animals help to rescue people. Our furry friends need our help too so don’t forget them.

Thank you.

The American Red Cross. Using your cell phone, you can text-message donations of $10 to the agency. Text the letters REDCROSS to 90999 to make the $10 donation, or visit the organization’s website.

The International Medical Corps is putting together relief teams, as well as supplies. You can donate here. Or, you can text MED to 80888 to donate $10 to emergency relief efforts.

Save the Children is accepting donations for its Children’s Emergency Fund. You can text “JAPAN” or “TSUNAMI” to 20222 to donate $10

GlobalGiving, based in Washington, D.C., is providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Text JAPAN to 50555 to donate $10.

The Salvation Army, which has had a presence in Japan since 1895. You can text JAPAN or QUAKE to 8088 to make a $10 donation to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts.

Mercy Corps is accepting donations to help survivors of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami through our longstanding partner, Peace Winds Japan.”

You can text “MERCY” to 25383 to donate $10.

World Vision, with a staff of 75 in Japan, is a Christian humanitarian organization focused on easing the emotional and psychological stress that children face during disasters. You can text “4JAPAN” or “4TSUNAMI” to 20222 to donate $10.

Doctors Without Boarders, an international group, already has teams working in Japan. To donate, call 1-888-392-0392

Habitat for Humanity call 1-800-HABITAT

The U.S Fund For UNICEF is raising funds to help children in Japan. Donations accepted a website, or by calling 1-800-367-5437

AmeriCares has dispatched a disaster relief expert to the region to assess the health care needs and is prepared to send medicines, medical supplies and humanitarian aid as necessary. Donations: 203-658-9500

International Rescue Committee, based in New York; phone donations to: 1-877-733-8433

Baptist World Alliance/Baptist World Aid. To donate by phone, call 703-790-8980

Catholic Relief Services. To donate by phone, call 1-80-736-3467

Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, based in San Dimas, CA., “has activated is Disaster Coordination Center in Tokyo…Right now, Tzu Chi offices in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan sustained minor damages,” but the two offices are open as service centers. To donate by phone, call 1-888-989-8244

Animal Rescue

The International Fund for Animal Welfare 1-800-932-4329

World Vets (veterinarians) offers veterinary aid around the world in collaboration with animal advocacy groups, veterinarians abroad, other governments and military organizations. The organization has a Japan Disaster Relief web page where you can donate.

The U.S based National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, which normally recruits rescue dogs and partners them with firefighters and other first-responders, has sent search teams to Japan. Call 1-888-459-4376 to donate or visit the group’s website.

The Japan Cat Network, which has started in 1993, is dedicated to helping Japan’s stray and abandoned cat population. It is also one of three groups that are part of Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support, which includes Heart-Tokushima and Animal Friends Niigata. You can find the Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support group on Facebook.