How can we help Japan?

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I think a lot of us are feeling a sense of helplessness at the utter disaster and devastation that the people of, and in, Japan are currently experienceing. Over the last few days I have come across some excellent ways in which we can help by way of either donating unwanted items for auction, or simply making donations to the charities directly invloved, so I thought I'd do a quick round-up. If I have missed anything, or you would like me to list your appeal, please let me know.

Charities

Save the Children, The British Red Cross and Shelter Box are the main charities that I have seen who are sending help to where it's most needed.

Auctions

Authors for Japan

Freelance journalist Keris Stainton has pulled off an amazing feat. Within 48 hours she has brought together some of the UK's best known popular fiction talent, as well as some overseas writers, in an auction to raise funds for the Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal.

Authors taking part include:

• Dorothy Koomson
• Andrew Crofts
• Jill Mansell
• Adele Parks
• Caroline Smailes
• Cathy Cassidy

So far there are more than 150 lots including exclusive editions of new books, signed works, feedback and critiques on manuscripts and proposals as well as publicity help, social media expertise and freelance journalism mentoring. There are also four lots from fellow blogger, and twin mum, Linda: A critique of a non fiction book proposal, a place on a Kick start your freelance writing career day-long workshop, and four one-hour telephone mentoring sessions, with exercises and feedback in between and two signed books with each. Bidding started yesterday and closes at 8pm on Sunday 20th. Click on the badge to find out more and donate.




Japan Quake Auction Appeal
This appeal has been set up by a British mum and blogger, Jo, who lives in Japan. The idea is that bloggers can offer items for auction on their blogs that they must be willing to post worldwide. Readers can then bid on the items by leaving a comment, with the winning bidder paying into the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund via Global Giving. To read more about this appeal head over to Jo's blog, where she will be listing a round-up of all auctions on Friday, March 18th.




Prizes for Japan
Blogger and comper Di has also come up with the fantastic idea of dusting off any unwanted or no longer used items and putting them on eBay as a charity auction in aid of the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. Di suggests using the phrase 'PrizesforJapan' within the auction details so that all auctions can be found easily when searching. To read more about Di's idea head over to her blog.

I know I've got a few unwanted things lying around... possibly in boxes at the moment, ready for the move... but I will be listing a few either here on the blog, or on eBay.

Bloggers for Japan - Sale and Silent Auction - London, March 26th
One for the London-based bloggers - or those that fancy a weekend break. Organised by Kate Antoniou - a chance to donate or buy items with all proceeds going to the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. Check out the facebook page for more info.

Knitting

P/hop for MSF

If you are a bit of a knitter you might like to check out the link for this fantastic knitting fundraiser for MSF (Medecins Sans Frontieres) that the lovely Nancy has mentioned in the comments. I'm itching to get learning to knit, but don't think I'd be able to make anything worth contributing yet!