Mumbai comes to Japan's aid

MUMBAIKARS have once again given proof of their benevolent nature with help pouring in for those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Corporate houses and individuals have come forward to contribute to the

MUMBAIKARS have once again given proof of their benevolent nature with help pouring in for those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Corporate houses and individuals have come forward to contribute to the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) without any appeal being issued. "Since Japan did not issue an appeal, we, as a responsible body, did not either.


The Japanese Red Cross Society airlift patients to Ishinomaki Red Cross hospital in Miyagi after the country was rocked by the 9.0 magnitude earthquake. The Red Cross has been asking for more help and donations from other countries

But, we started getting calls from March 11 itself and have been accepting donations after getting a clearance from our headquarters in Delhi," said Homai Modi, honorary secretary, IRCS (Maharashtra).

"Our phones have been ringing continuously since the disaster and people have expressed interest in volunteering as well. I am touched that people are so forthcoming and so willing to help the Japanese in their time of need," he added.

Mahindra & Mahindra and Barclays have given Rs 20 lakh and Rs 50,000 respectively and 10 individuals have also made generous donations.

While the IRCS declined to reveal the quantum of the donations, officials said many more were in the pipeline.

"Many IT and pharmaceutical companies have also made enquiries and they are in the process of making donations.
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These donations will not even be eligible for tax exemptions as the money will be used for relief work in another country.

We are overwhelmed that so many people approached us even when we did not go and ask for help," said Krishnadas, secretary, IRCS- Maharashtra.

As per procedure, the IRCS will give every donor a receipt stating that the money donated will only be used for relief work n Japan.

"We will send the money collected to the Delhi headquarters, who, in turn will hand it over to IRCS-Japan.

Many people wanted to donate in kind by giving medicines and the like, but we declined as we are not yet sure what exactly the survivors need," said Modi.

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Number of countries including countries like the US, China and even Afghanistan lending aid to Japan

IN THE PAST
After a massive fire engulfed Garib Nagar in Bandra, IRCS-Maharshtra had distributed special kits to 354 affected families. "The kits comprised a stove, blankets, vessels and other basic necessities the families would need to restart their life," said an IRCS official.

Celebs for Japan
>> Sandra Bullock has donated $1 million to help victims.
>> Charlie Sheen is donating $1 per ticket for all his upcoming live stage shows to the Red Cross.
>> Lady Gaga designed a bracelet for Japan relief and within 48 hours it raised $250,000 (Rs1.13 crore), with sales ongoing.
>> Singer Katy Perry is donating sales of glow sticks on her concert tour to Red Cross relief in Japan.
>>Justin Bieber, Bon Jovi, U2 and Rihanna will release an album to raise funds for victims of Japan.

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