Canadian Red Cross supporting Japanese Red Cross with Donations

According to an article, One of many NGOs to flood into Japan after quake returns to Canada early by James Keller, The Canadian Press,on the Winnipeg Free Press website, the Canadian Red Cross is sending money that they have collected on behalf of the Japanese relief effort to the Japanese Red Cross to support their efforts on the ground. The article states that $6,000,000 has already been collected by the Canadian Red Cross.

The article also highlights some of the problems of well-intentioned NGOs rushing to stressed areas when they may not know the geography or language with the possibility of becoming a burden to the local government rather than a help. In this case, the independent NGO in question, not a Red Cross team, made the decision to return because they were unequipped to handle the worsening radiation, probably the wisest course of action.

Yesterday I watched a CBC broadcast that said that that a shipment of blankets was on its way to Japan (25,000 were requested urgently by Japan) from The Canadian Red Cross and the Canadian government.

The generosity of Canadians is so encouraging. I hope the money continues to make its way to Japan in a way that makes a difference. It seems that the Canadian Red Cross is doing its best, knows that support of the Japanese Red Cross is one of the most effective ways to help, and hopefully makes a difference to the people in Japan in this very stressful time.