On March 11, 2011, a powerful earthquake and the resulting tsunami hit Northeastern Japan. It claimed close to 16,000 lives, and injured over 6,000 people. Twenty months later, over 2,800 are still missing. This is a disaster that has wounded the entire country.
CARE FOR JAPAN was launched shortly after 3/11/11 as Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA's effort to raise funds in the US for Japanese communities devastated by the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami disaster.
The compassionate responses of people in the US have been overwhelming. More than 700 donations have been made to our fund. As of December 1, 2012, donations have totaled USD 4,398,577,57. These donations were made by individuals, businesses, and numerous student and/or professional groups from all over the country. Some people have acted as long-term supporters by making monthly donations for over a year.
Another large source of contributions is proceeds from various charity events. These include Urasenke Tankokai DC, the Action for Japan 2011 Gala in Baltimore, Hope for Japan Concert, Concert for Japan, and the New Day Auction by Christie's and Kaikai Kiki NY. Kaikai Kiki NY has also donated a part of the proceeds from the sales of their charity T-shirts.
As the CARE FOR JAPAN initiative comes to a close, we would like to express
our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your generosity and
kind support. Please know that your help has become and will continue to be
a part of Japan in its recovery.
100% of the donations we receive goes towards community relief efforts through our sister foundation, The Nippon Foundation. The Nippon Foundation has over 50 years of unrivaled experience in helping those in need, as well as in disaster assistance. Immediately after the 3/11 disaster, the Nippon Foundation established the ROAD Project. 'ROAD' stands for "Resilience will Overcome Any Disaster." It also symbolizes the road to recovery that we wish to help build.
As of November 30, 2012, a total of over 86 million US dollars has been donated
to The Nippon Foundation from all over the world, providing the funds to carry
out many multifaceted projects. These projects include: the distribution of
emergency relief supplies, debris removal, medical care assistance, setup of
community FM radio stations, monetary contribution to bereaved families, training
and dispatching volunteer groups, and more. The Foundation is also continuously
involved in long-term projects such as the restoration of local fishery and
shipbuilding businesses and local traditional arts, as well as care for the
vulnerable (children, the elderly, the physically and/or mentally challenged,
expectant and nursing mothers, as well as others with special care needs).
