Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief

Posted by Jim Dyer 
on Mar 15, 2011
 
 

District 5280 Rotarian's - The 9.0-magnitude earthquake, Japan's largest in history, caused a devastating tsunami that swept over northern coastal towns. At least 10,000 people are assumed dead, but government officials say the death toll will rise. The emergency situation is still unfolding but what is clear is the immediate need for money to support relief efforts and shelter. 

 

 

In response to this massive earthquake and tsunami, The Rotary Foundation has established the Rotary Japan & Pacific Islands Disaster Recovery Fund.  Also, ShelterBox, a designated Global Rotary Club Project, had response team members on the ground within 24 hours after the earthquake, one of the first international aid agencies to arrive in Japan.  The first deployment of ShelterBoxes, including the provision of emergency shelter, water purification and lifesaving supplies are on their way to Tokyo with more on stand by. 

During this initial response period we are encouraging District 5280 Clubs, Rotarian's and friends to support one of the Rotary affiliated relief efforts or other recognized international relief organizations like the Red Cross.

 

  • Rotary Japan & Pacific Islands Disaster Recovery Fund - Checks should be made payable to The Rotary Foundation - note on your check that the contribution should be used for the Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund, #G10005.  Please read the PDF with answers to frequently asked questions.  The Foundation will begin accepting online in the coming days.   

  • ShelterBox -  donations to ShelterBox USA can be made on their website at www.ShelterBoxUSA.org, or use the sponsorship form to mail in your donation.  Be sure to note your club name and District 5280.

 

As relief efforts progress, we will establish direct contact with Rotarians in Japan.  For more information, please contact Jim.Dyer@RotaryClubofSantaMonica.org

 

Jim Dyer

District 5280 Disaster Relief Chair

Update: March 24, 2011:

District 5280 Rotarians -

 

Like people from around the world, District 5280 Rotarians are reaching out to help the people of Japan following the 9.0 earthquake and devastating tsunami.  Immediately following the disaster we circulated a request encouraging donations to the Rotary Japan 2011 Disaster Recovery Fund and to ShelterBox.  

 

Governor Doug and I also reached out directly to Rotary Clubs and Districts in Japan to see if there was something more we could do to help.  Following are parts of two emails we would like to share with you. 

 

D2530 Governor Hiroji Ohashi writes -

 

Thank you very much for your stimulating.  Although we had the tragic disaster we have never experienced, we are doing the best for everything we can do.  This crisis gives us a great sorrow.

 

We pray it the serious case will be safe.

 

Thanks, Thanks so much for Rotary friendship.

 

Bonds of Rotary friendship.

 

With love to Rotarians

 

D2530 Governor, Hiroji Ohashi

 

And from Yuzaburo Mogi, President of the Rotary Club of Tokyo -

 

We express our sincere appreciation to you for your heartfelt E-mail message. It is encouraging to know that rotary friends overseas care about us.

 

As you may know, twenty thousands of people have been found dead or are still missing from this devastating earthquake.  The thought of this fill our members with great sadness.

 

However, the people of Japan will overcome this great tragedy and we are hopeful that we can get over the difficulties very soon.

 

The governors of 34 districts in Japan appealed to the Rotarian of the all over Japan for the contribution now. They are going to send the contribution to the governors of the disaster area.

If you mind to help us, we ask you for a contribution to “the Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands Disaster Fund” at the Rotary Foundation. 

 

Sincerely yours,

 

Yuzaburo Mogi

President

Rotary Club of Tokyo

 

The Rotary Foundation will be working with Rotary Districts in the affected areas to support long term recovery projects and will also support matching grants.  We need to continue to support this fund as these are the projects which will help with essential long term recovery efforts. 

 

A ShelterBox Response Team is operating in Iwate Prefecture, one of the areas worst affected by the tsunami.  There are several hundred ShelterBoxes already in Iwate and the local Rotary District has initially requested 100 ShelterBoxes for each of the following five cities:  Miyako, Yamadamachi, Kamaishi, Rikuzentakata and Ofunato.  

 

We will update you as more information becomes available and will continue to communicate with Japan to see if there is more we can do.  Until then, please continue to direct your donations to the Rotary Japan 2011 Disaster Relief Fund and to ShelterBox. 

 

For more information, please contact Jim Dyer at Jim.Dyer@RotaryClubofSantaMonica.org

 

Jim Dyer

District 5280 Disaster Relief Chair