Islanders donate to help Japan
Prince Edward Islanders have been responding generously to the disaster in Japan, with donations pouring into the Canadian Red Cross Monday.
Countrywide, the Red Cross was expecting donations to surge past the $3-million mark by the end of the day Monday. Islanders also made time to chip in.
"We're getting it so easy in Canada, I think it's time we give them a hand," Paul Jenkins said. "They'll be many, many years getting back to normal."
The most-powerful earthquake in Japan's recorded history struck off the country's northeast coast on Friday, leaving hundreds of people dead, injured or missing.
The 9.0-magnitude earthquake triggered a deadly tsunami that washed far inland.
"It's just so devastating. You just can't help but want to donate at a time when it's needed," donor Mira Marut said.
Many Islanders are also calling the Red Cross asking to volunteer at the local office. The P.E.I. branch is signing them up to work the phones. Others are calling for advice on how to set up office fundraisers and other events.
There's no word yet on exactly how much Islanders have donated so far, but they do have a reputation for generosity.
"For the Haiti effort, over half a million dollars was raised here on P.E.I.," said Laura Montigny, P.E.I. provincial director of the Canadian Red Cross.
"So, P.E.I. may be small, but we're awfully mighty when it comes to helping with relief efforts."
A coffeehouse concert Saturday in Charlottetown raised $800. UPEI is planning a full day of events on March 24.
The Red Cross expects donations to surge in coming days as the full human toll of this disaster becomes clear.
Care, Oxfam and Save the Children, along with Doctors without Borders, are also taking donations.
