Probably everyone knows that Japan was hit by a magnitude 9 earthquake on the afternoon Friday, March 11, 2011, which was followed approximately 30 minutes later by a devastating tsuanami which carried a surging mass of water mud and debris, starting at least 10 meters high, up to 10 kilometers or so inland in some locations. Japan is suffering, and I have gathered some information on links to where people can make donations. Recognize that many people are now living in shelters in areas without any running water – even one guy that I played soccer with and who returned to Japan to live in Sendai was in a shelter at least a few days ago. While I think the nuclear threat is being overplayed in the media, it also has certainly has displaced many more people.

The Porltand Shookookai, the Japan America Society of Oregon, the Beaverton Sister City program and others locallyhave set up and are participating in the Oregon Japan Relief Fund. Please follow the link below:

http://www.mercycorps.org/fundraising/oregonjapanrelieffund

I will consider adding other organizations to this post.