Keeping Japan In Our Thoughts

It has only been a handful of days since a record-setting earthquake and tsunami devastated parts of Japan and affected many other countries (sheesh, devastated seems like a gross understatement when you consider the sheer loss of life and damage).  When you see each new image and read every breaking story, it’s only natural that things like a blog dedicated to shopping feel pretty frivolous.

When I first read about the disaster, I immediately checked in on a good friend and a few other friends who have connections there.  Thankfully, they and their loved ones are OK.  Big sigh of relief.

The news is still very recent and constantly developing.  In a sad and downright scary way.  Nuclear meltdowns?  Radiation sickness?  Millions of people without heat, water and food?  Estimates of 10,000+ casualties?  Makes you feel helpless, and sad.  Very, very sad.

Fortunately, besides the regular players who come to bat in times of crisis (like the Red Cross**, Doctors Without Borders, and many other countries’ governments and volunteers), some retailers are already responding.  While you can argue that the help comes via sales, I've seen those who are using their networks to encourage their subscribers and fans to take action.

Initially, I did a Google search to get information about any retailers supporting relief to Japan, but it didn’t turn up anything besides reports on business in general being affected by the earthquake and tsunami.  So I turned to Facebook, that insane behemoth of all things networky and social.  I’ve “liked” a number of my favorite retailers, and I hoped I’d find some good stuff.  Which I did!

Threadless, of whom you already know I’m a big fan, has launched a t-shirt design competition to benefit Japan.  As their webpage states, 100% of the net proceeds will go to the American Red Cross's effort to aid Japan's victims.  Here are a couple of designs so far:

To learn more, vote, or even submit your own design, click here.


My favorite department store, Nordstrom, posted on their Facebook page as well, asking people to send a text and donate to the Red Cross:

Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus (which my mom and a couple others like to refer to as "Needless Mark-Up", heh) did likewise on their Facebook page:

Tory Burch joined the action as well.  Check out her blog entry here on her website.

Other designers who gave mention on their Facebook pages include Poketo and Trina Turk. I'm sure there are additional designers, stores and shopaholics who are Facebooking, Tweeting or just plain emailing their support.
If you are interested in donating to the relief fund but leery of scams and unsure of who all is out there, I recommend this site:  Charity Navigator.

I'm sure there will be more outpourings of support, both emotional and financial, over the next weeks, months, and year.  I'd be surprised if a celebrity-studded fundraiser doesn't happen in the near future.  In the meantime, I can only hope that all those who are injured, displaced and grieving receive aid, food and counseling very soon.  I'll be sending off a donation this week.  Even if you can't afford to donate, feel free to send along the above information to whomever you think would like to help out.

Hugs to everyone tonight,
Maggie




**While I have not done a lot of digging behind the controversy, mention of the Red Cross has brought up charges of questionable percentages of donations actually reaching victims.  I think this argument happens with other charities, and it’s not my intention to delve into the claims.  I thank all legitimate organizations for their help to those affected in Japan and all other disasters, from headline-grabbers like Hurrican Katrina to smaller but no less important events around the world.