Japan still reeling days after quake.
The earthquake and mostly the tsunami killed over 10,000 people and left 10x that homeless. People are sleeping on gymnasium floors.
In Sendai, where the temperature was forecast to fall –3 C Wednesday night, people were lining up for rations of fresh water from a tanker.
"We are providing about three litres of water per person," said a man, quoted by Reuters, who was helping to fill the survivors' containers. "We hope it lasts long enough.
Japan is a rich country with a strong social safety net, but it is unprepared for devastation of this magnitude. The Japanese are a proud, determined and driven people. It is not easy for them to ask for help. From anyone, and particularly from us. This is a great opportunity to show Mr. Asshat of the Week Eric Cantor what good friends we are and create a tremendous amount of good will within Japan. As George Takei just noted: At times like this, we are all Japanese.
Below the fold are some charities you can bet will deliver your hard-earned cash to those who need it. Any amount, no matter how small, counts when given with a great heart.
The Red Cross
Donors can contribute to the relief efforts by calling 800-733-27677 or visiting http://www.redcross.org. Each text message is a $10 donation to the Red Cross, which will be added to the donors’ next cellphone bill. Very convenient.
Medical Teams International
Medical Teams International is also on alert and staying closely in touch with its nine partners along the coast and in Japan. To donate to Medical Teams International, visit http://www.medicalteams.org.
World Vision Canada
Among the first organisations to begin relief work by distributing emergency supplies and sending highly-trained staff to assess and respond to the most urgent needs. To donate, visit http://www.worldvision.ca/....
Mercy Corps
Mercy Corp has not sent its own team to Japan but it set up a donation fund for its partner, Peace Winds Japan, and its emergency assistance on the ground. To make a donation, call 888-747-7440 or visit http://www.mercycorps.org/....
Medecins Sans Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders)
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organisation that provides emergency medical assistance to populations in danger in more than 60 countries. MSF workers are already on ground in Japan, assessing the situation. For more visit http://www.msf.org/....
Shelter Box
Provides much needed temporary housing. People are sleeping on cold gym floors surrounded by strangers.
http://www.shelterbox.org/....
And the Salvation Army
http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org/