A TOTAL OF $1755 WAS RAISED FOR THE PEOPLE OF TOHOKU. WE DIDN'T REACH OUR TARGET...BUT HEY, ANYTHING HELPS.
In an effort to improve the living conditions of disaster victims currently living in shelters in Japan, I have set up a donation system on the site. In order to boost donations, I will personally ship a little thank-you present to donors, which I thought to be simple but of special value.
For me to keep as a memoir of this trip, I have decided to fill up half of a small glass bottle with the earth of Cape Soya (the starting line). Once I reach Cape Sata (the finish line), I will fill up the other half of the bottle. The two different types of soil will represent the length of my travels within Japan, and will be an original way for me to remember my journey.
Something like this...sans the plant, obviously |
Get a Gift for Donating: All donations are tax-deductible, but you get something else. In an effort to give something back to those who give, I will personally stop at various places in Japan, and fill up your own personal vial of earth. Any donation of $100 or more will receive a small cork-topped vial labeled "Japan ", dated, and inscribed with the location it was taken from (the donations made before 9/16 will remain as set previously).
This is a simple but significant way to share my experience with you, and give something back for your generosity. It may not be much, but it is a meaningful little token you can be proud of for having done some good in this world.
I am taking on all expenses for the materials/shipping for these gifts, but do so with the hope of encouraging more people to donate. Remember, donations don't necessarily have to be from one person only. You can get together with your friends/family/coworkers and reach $100 or more. Just make sure your donation is done as one $100 donation, as combining separate donations will not be accepted (the donations made before 9/16 will remain as set previously).
Space is limited on my bicycle, so I will ship these thank-you gifts until I run out of supplies! I will let everyone know when I have none left in order to be fair, but please keep donating! Also, it has been brought to my attention that transporting soil may be illegal. Not sure. We'll see. I can always send another souvenir.
Where the Money Goes To: 100% of donations go to Second Harvest Japan. Second Harvest Japan is Japan's first food bank. It distributes food to soup kitchens, orphanages, the elderly, emergency shelters, single mothers, the homeless, migrant workers, and many others. Since the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, 2HJ has been helping thousands of survivors by providing much needed supplies of food. 2HJ needs your help to provide support to people in affected areas. Over the next 2 years, an estimated 80 million yen will be needed to continue this effort. Thousands of people and organizations have already donated to this cause, already reaching the 50 million yen mark. But everyday that passes, more is needed, as damages in Japan are estimated to reach up to $235 billion.
How U Can Help: Simple. You don't have to cycle 2000 miles through a foreign country. You don't even have to volunteer in disaster areas.
I am spending thousands on this trip, and although I am going to enjoy every minute of it, I am biking 2000+ miles across the country as a fundraising event. Please help out through donations, by sending food to people who lost their houses, belongings, jobs, way of life, as well as their families and friends. Japan is a modern country, but that doesn't mean that there aren't people in such conditions. It doesn't matter where you're from, or what you believe in, helping out a human being in need is an act of good, in any book.
Plus, Japan is one cool country of friendly & kind people who have given us Nintendo, PlayStation, the Walkman, Karate, and many other cool things. Not to say, Japan is the second largest foreign aid donor in the world, so they don't think twice about helping countries in need. Each dollar donated goes a long way, as 2HJ is able to provide 10,000-yen-worth of food for every 1,000-yen donated, and each box delivered to a victim comes with hand-drawn pictures from kids all over the world. It sounds right, and it feels good to do too.
Plus, Japan is one cool country of friendly & kind people who have given us Nintendo, PlayStation, the Walkman, Karate, and many other cool things. Not to say, Japan is the second largest foreign aid donor in the world, so they don't think twice about helping countries in need. Each dollar donated goes a long way, as 2HJ is able to provide 10,000-yen-worth of food for every 1,000-yen donated, and each box delivered to a victim comes with hand-drawn pictures from kids all over the world. It sounds right, and it feels good to do too.