BY CORALIE CHUN MATAYOSHI – American Red Cross, Hawaii State ChapterTo ensure that fundraising events are legitimate, organization who are funding for the American Red Cross for the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund are asked to contact the Hawaii Red Crossat 739-8108 or mastrantoniob@hawaiiredcross.org.
Coordination with these groups is essential to ensure they are conveying the correct message. The Hawaii Red Cross is posting all authorized events on their website at www.hawaiiredcross.org so the public can verify the event is legitimate.
“Hawaii’s businesses and groups have come together to help victims of this terrible tragedy and have shown tremendous generosity and aloha,” said Coralie Matayoshi, CEO of the American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter.
Other options to donate are to go to www.redcross.org and donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami or people can also text REDCROSS to 90999 for a $10 donation.
The Red Cross does NOT accept in-kind donations of goods because of the cost and logistical challenges in transporting, warehousing, sorting, and distributing the goods, and the fact that the goods might not be needed, appropriate, or culturally sensitive. Donating money that can be sent and spent in Japan will also help stimulate their devastated economy.
The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization which provides assistance to meet the immediate emergency needs of those affected by disasters. All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it depends on public contributions to help others. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. To send a contribution, mail your check to:
American Red Cross Hawaii State Chapter 4155 Diamond Head Road Honolulu, HI 96816Make a secure online donation at www.hawaiiredcross.org or call: (808) 739-8109
Coralie Chun Matayoshi is the CEO of the American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter