Watching the tragedy unfold in Japan on March 10th, 2011 was absolutely heartbreaking. I don't know about you, but I can't just sit back and do nothing. I have to help. I am going to raise $1,000. When I get to $1,000 I will stop folding and give all the money to the Red Cross. As soon as I get there I'll let you know and this page will come down and I'll redirect you back to the Red Cross.
Why do I care so much?
My love for Japan started when I was very young after I read the book "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes" and since then Japan and origami cranes have become an intrinsic part of my life. Japan was my home for four years and I loved it. Every minute of it. The people, the food, the cities, the temples and even the kanji. I spent my mid twenties there and my life changed so much and in so many positive ways. I gained a new family, a new culture and a new way of thinking. Every day I am reminded of Japan through memories and reality. And guess what - my daughter's middle name is Sadako, after the real girl who inspired me to hope and act - and fold.
So what does it mean?
I want to help. Thinking positive thoughts and praying is simply not enough. The Japanese need real tangible help and one way to do this is through making a donation. I can't do it alone, so I want you to want to help too.
@bridgetphotoBridget Smith
@kungfupussy #crane = simple answer, simple statement. A new way to demonstrate help to Japan. Symbolic. Love. Everyone will want one. #fly
Here's what I propose and it's very simple. We will be folding origami cranes, lots and lots and lots of cranes. Cranes are symbols of peace, love and hope and you want one. Actually you want more than one. Each one will be unique, each one hand folded and each one with a message inside. I already have a team of people with hands that are ready to get cramped up to help. Get them to remember those who lost their lives, as a symbol of peace and hope and just as a visual reminder of how you helped others.
3/16/2011
UPDATE:
Together we raised over $1000 dollars in less than a week.
We inspired others to start to fold.
We gave to the Red Cross.
Together we #flew
100% was donated from the Paypal account to the American Red Cross to help the victims of the Japan earthquakes and tsunami. I did not doing this to make money for myself. All of this was for others. I am not a non-profit, I do not work for the American Red Cross so if you felt more comfortable donating to them directly for taxation purposes, I advised you to please go ahead. I promised you that all monies collected here will be sent to the American Red Cross. This was just a nice way to give without expecting anything in return - except for a paper crane as a memory for doing something good.
But don't forget, the people of Japan still need your help. Please continue to donate to The American Red Cross and if you would like a crane please email me. I would be more than happy to send you one as a thank you for donating.
A huge thank you to everyone involved. What an amazing few days we have had.
Ganbatte Nippon
A huge thank you to everyone involved. What an amazing few days we have had.
Ganbatte Nippon
