For Japan

Question for you ... when was the last time you heard something on the news about relief and recovery efforts in Japan? I can't remember either. Media coverage has all but vanished. But of course the suffering continues for thousands in Japan as a result of the earthquake and tsunami.

As promised, I've researched which agencies are still working in Japan and having a positive impact, and I've chosen the Red Cross for their organization, goals and long-term plans for aid to the Japanese people.

Together we raised $620 through the sale of flower pins, which I will be donating to the Red Cross. And while that may seem like a small amount compared to the billions that will ultimately be needed to rebuild Japan, I think it's important to do what you can, where you can, and when you can. And we did.

Thank you for your support, generosity and enthusiasm!

From the American Red Cross:

"Three months on from the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan’s northeast coastline on March 11, 2011, the Red Cross remains focused on helping to improve living conditions for many of the 98,000 people remaining in evacuation centers - most of which are situated in the hardest hit prefectures of Miyagi, Fukushima and Iwate. Japanese Red Cross employees and volunteers are providing a range of services for the evacuees and plans are underway to install washing machines, water tanks for hand washing, privacy partitions and televisions.

“The physical and mental health of evacuees is of major concern, particularly where people are facing prolonged stays in centers,” said Alex Mahoney, disaster management expert with the American Red Cross. “Longer-term solutions to find more appropriate accommodation for people who have lost their homes are urgently needed.”

The Red Cross is supporting families moving into temporary housing units provided by the government, helping to restore a sense of normality in their lives. Home appliance packages, comprised of a washing machine, rice cooker, refrigerator, hot water dispenser, microwave and television, will be provided to more than 90,000 families with support from the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross is also increasing the number of caregivers and psychological support teams working in evacuation centers and nursing homes to address mental health issues, post traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety amongst survivors.

With major damage to health and care services, another priority is to support medical facilities, such as hospitals, clinics and care homes. In Ishinomaki, the Red Cross is planning to boost local health services by building and equipping temporary medical facilities. Specially-equipped beds are also being donated to existing nursing homes across three prefectures where many elderly people require special care."