From Jenny, The Bloggess:
"This post isn’t really a funny one and I apologize for that but it needs to be said so just bear with me a minute, okay?
I love Japan. I’m not much of a traveler so it’s the only far-off place I’ve ever been and it holds a special place in my heart. If you’ve read here long enough you know about the time that a young girl named Chicako volunteered to show me around Japan for free. She didn’t know me and had no idea I had a blog but the people of Japan have such a strong feeling of civic duty and politeness that they regularly sign up to escort strangers around their city so they can practice their English. She took me to her favorite local dives and sat patiently while sweet make-up artists made me into a prostitute (long story). I met so many amazing people in my time in Japan and was almost embarrassed by how generous and selfless they were to a total stranger. That’s why the earthquake and tsunami that struck there this week really hit home for me…because so many people I love are struggling there now. And chance are, if you read this blog regularly, they’re people you love too.
You can’t always tell, but a lot of our regular commenters are in Japan. They read. They laugh. They interact with you and me. I usually have several hundred Japanese readers stop by on average. In the past two days there’ve been only 40. I hope to God that they’re all alive and well and are busy helping others and I wish I was there to help. But I can’t be. The only thing I can do is to donate to the Red Cross and Doctors without Borders and to encourage you to do the same.
They aren’t strangers. They’re us.
PS. One of the easiest ways to donate is to text the word REDCROSS to 90999, and your $10 donation will just show up on your phone bill. It’s crazy-easy and after you do it you’ll feel technologically savvy and philanthropic.
PPS. We go back to the funny, fluffy stuff tomorrow. Promise.
PPPS. I’m including an old video of me eating Japanese boobie pudding as a small “thank you” for donating. It’s really long because it was before I knew how to edit properly. You totally have my permission to skip it because I realize my Minnie-Mouse voice clashes with my online persona. Also, yes, my books are organized by color because that’s what normal people do. Stop judging me."
-Age
Showing posts with label help. Show all posts
Showing posts with label help. Show all posts
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Being Love Has Never Been Easier (Repost)
I am reposting this from Jason Mraz's blog, Freshness Factor Five Thousand. It's what the holiday of love should be all about. Not gifts and romantic words, but compassion and action.
"Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. In my opinion, people have attached themselves to this holiday in a way that makes single people sad, those in relationships nervous, and those in marriage pressured. No matter what your status, I invite you to give love in a powerful, new way this year.
On Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, the peninsula nation of Haiti was devastated by the worst Earthquake to hit the world in generations. Hundreds of thousands are dead and Millions are displaced. They are only one hour off the shores of our mighty country and they need our support more than ever.
This Valentine’s Season I invite you to take action as a world citizen and contribute to our less fortunate neighbors. Here are a few ways to do so:
Donate Over the Web:
Free The Children – “Children Helping Children Through Education.” Having been working in Haiti for more than a decade they were fast to respond. Their primary objective is making sure children are safe, sourced, and have a future to look forward to. (This organization was founded by a 12 year old by the way. Of all the groups I’ve met and worked with – these guys move me like no other. They are my inspiration for being in action.) Please give generously.
http://www.freethechildren.com/haiti
InterAction is the largest coalition of U.S.-based international, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on the world’s poor and most vulnerable people. Collectively, InterAction’s more than 180 members work in every developing country. Member organizations are large and small, faith-based and secular. They have a special link for Haiti.
http://www.interaction.org/crisis-list/earthquake-haiti
Google is also maintaining a page with information on what you can do to help. This is trusted source for reputable organizations you can contribute to such as the International Red Cross, UNICEF, and Doctors Without Borders.
http://www.google.com/relief/haitiearthquake/
Donate by Text Message
Yele Haiti – The Non-Profit, created by Haitian born recording artist Wyclef Jean (who I had the pleasure of meeting at “We Are The World”) is accepting $5 donations when you text “Yele” to 501501 or $10 donations when you text “Haiti” to the same number. Charges will appear on your cell phone bill.
Or Donate with a Phone Call:
You can make a phone call and donate to any number of organizations presently bringing relief to Haiti. Here are a few:
American Red Cross: 800 RED CROSS
Americares: 800 486 4357
International Rescue Committee: 877 REFUGEE
UNICEF U.S. Fund: 800 4 UNICEF
Habitat for Humanity International: 800 422 4828
Oxfam America: 800 776 9326
International Medical Corps: 800 481 4462
Don't put this off. A gift today would create so much possibility for the many lives waiting for a miracle. This is your opportunity to be such a miracle. Thanks for considering, Jason"
-Age
"Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. In my opinion, people have attached themselves to this holiday in a way that makes single people sad, those in relationships nervous, and those in marriage pressured. No matter what your status, I invite you to give love in a powerful, new way this year.
On Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, the peninsula nation of Haiti was devastated by the worst Earthquake to hit the world in generations. Hundreds of thousands are dead and Millions are displaced. They are only one hour off the shores of our mighty country and they need our support more than ever.
This Valentine’s Season I invite you to take action as a world citizen and contribute to our less fortunate neighbors. Here are a few ways to do so:
Donate Over the Web:
Free The Children – “Children Helping Children Through Education.” Having been working in Haiti for more than a decade they were fast to respond. Their primary objective is making sure children are safe, sourced, and have a future to look forward to. (This organization was founded by a 12 year old by the way. Of all the groups I’ve met and worked with – these guys move me like no other. They are my inspiration for being in action.) Please give generously.
http://www.freethechildren.com/haiti
InterAction is the largest coalition of U.S.-based international, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on the world’s poor and most vulnerable people. Collectively, InterAction’s more than 180 members work in every developing country. Member organizations are large and small, faith-based and secular. They have a special link for Haiti.
http://www.interaction.org/crisis-list/earthquake-haiti
Google is also maintaining a page with information on what you can do to help. This is trusted source for reputable organizations you can contribute to such as the International Red Cross, UNICEF, and Doctors Without Borders.
http://www.google.com/relief/haitiearthquake/
Donate by Text Message
Yele Haiti – The Non-Profit, created by Haitian born recording artist Wyclef Jean (who I had the pleasure of meeting at “We Are The World”) is accepting $5 donations when you text “Yele” to 501501 or $10 donations when you text “Haiti” to the same number. Charges will appear on your cell phone bill.
Or Donate with a Phone Call:
You can make a phone call and donate to any number of organizations presently bringing relief to Haiti. Here are a few:
American Red Cross: 800 RED CROSS
Americares: 800 486 4357
International Rescue Committee: 877 REFUGEE
UNICEF U.S. Fund: 800 4 UNICEF
Habitat for Humanity International: 800 422 4828
Oxfam America: 800 776 9326
International Medical Corps: 800 481 4462
Don't put this off. A gift today would create so much possibility for the many lives waiting for a miracle. This is your opportunity to be such a miracle. Thanks for considering, Jason"
-Age
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