In light of the recent Japanese disaster, members of Eastview's Japanese club kicked off their fundraising efforts to contribute to the relief effort on Wednesday, April 27^th. They plan to raise money to donate to victims of the March 11^th tsunami and ensuing nuclear emergency.

Nearly two months ago, Japan’s coast was struck with an earthquake registering a 9.0 on the Richter scale. This tectonic movement resulted in a devastating tsunami, leaving thousands dead or missing. The New York Times recently reported 14,133 people are proclaimed dead, while 13,346 people are still listed as missing.

Meanwhile, the country was plagued with radioactive gas leaks and explosions. Traces of radiation were found in Tokyo’s water and the ocean, endangering the people of Japan even further. In this time of crisis, the global community rallied together to raise support and funding for relief efforts for the island country.

The relief efforts have taken a more localized avenue in the past week at Eastview, however. The Japanese club at the school is reaching out to lend a helping hand for Japan in this time of crisis through their fundraising efforts.

Starting on the 27^th, the J-Club will be selling an assortment of items for money to donate to the Red Cross Japanese Relief efforts. One of the most popular items so far is a ‘Help Japan’ wristband. These can be seen on the wrists of various Eastview students, reading ‘Help Japan’ in English on one side and Japanese on the other.

And what else is in store?

The J-club is also featuring $1 raffle tickets to enter in a drawing to win a series of prizes, including things like movies or even prom tickets. In addition, Japanese candy is being sold.

Paper cranes are also on sale for $1 each. The volunteers have been folding the origami cranes for weeks preceding the fundraiser. While most people have opted for the bracelets over the cranes, Alissa notes it’s the symbolism of the cranes that’s most important to her.

“There’s an old Japanese legend that if you can make one thousand paper cranes, your wish will come true,” Alissa Wong, active member of the Japanese Club’s relief effort committee explains. These paper cranes can also be seen in classrooms around the school to remind students of the J-Club’s hopes to raise enough money to help Japan significantly.

And have they made a thousand yet?

“I’m sure!” Alissa laughs.

However, questions have risen about whether or not the fundraiser is doing its job. “I think it's really great that they are helping the quake victems in Japan, but the ticket sales in the commons hasn't really caught anyone's attention,” said an observing junior, Derek Thomas.

That hasn’t stopped the J-Club promotions yet. They have been advirtising heavily in the halls and even made an appearance to sell at the May Day 5K Scholarship Run.

And finally, why should we help?

Student Maddie Catlin puts in her two cents, explaining “Well, we should obviously help Japan because it's the right thing to do, but beyond that it's also important because if we can show that we care and get the ball rolling, others might do the same.”

“When a disaster hit a country as prepared as Japan, I think that people underestimate the aid necessary,” Junior Nita Chai explains, who purchased Japanese candy and a wristband from the fundraiser. “But the fact is, that this was a MASSIVE natural disaster, and well developed or not, Japan definitely needs our help.”

As Eastview’s J-Club strives to raise money, they also do something else important for the Eastview community. “[The fundraiser] makes a financial difference,” Maddie went on to say, “But more importantly, it also raises awareness.”