Everyone from Lady Gaga to Zynga pitches in to provide money and aid for Japan
The disaster is mind-blowing and everyone wants to help. Here is how some big names are providing cash themselves and giving ways to let you reach out to the Japanese people
Lady Gaga has designed a charity bracelet, retailing for $5 on her website, all of which will all go to relief efforts. The white wristband says in English and in Japanese, "We pray for Japan."
The Red Cross in the US is using text messages to raise funds. It is promoting the use of its existing short code, 90999, and keyword, REDCROSS, as a means for donating $10 (around £6) to relief efforts in Japan. The British Red Cross is appealing for donations on its website but has opted not to go down the American route. "We feel people will give much more if they are not given a fixed amount," said a spokeswoman.
US insurance company Aflac which has one in four Japanese as customers is donating $1.2 million to the Red Cross; Kraft is donating $200,000. Apple has set up a page on iTunes allowing users to contribute between $5 and $200 to the Red Cross. The New York Yankees has donated $100,000.Procter & Gamble has committed up to $1.2 million for earthquake relief efforts , including cash and donations of nappies, feminine hygiene, hair care, pet care and skin care.
LivingSocial has teamed up with GlobalGiving.org for a donation campaign.
Zynga has created an in-game donation drive. Players of "FarmVille," "CityVille" can plant special crops; players will pay via credit card and proceeds will go directly to the Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children's Emergency Fund.
Hearst Magazines is encouraging employees to support the efforts of Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Save the Children and Unicef by donating through its internal news site, Hearstlink.
In Japan, Sony Corp. said it will donate $3.6 million to help relief. Sony has at the moment had to close six factories, including ones that make Blu-ray, CD and DVD discs and lithium ion batteries.
Nintendo will donate $3.6 million to relief efforts; Namco Bandai is donating $1.2 million; and Sega is donating $2.4 million.
Game publisher Irem has cancelled a game called "Disaster Report 4," which opens after an earthquake has struck.
Coca-Cola in Japan has pledged $7.3 million in cash and product donations including more than 7 million bottles of beverages such as water, tea and sports drinks. The company is dispensing products free from selected vending machines. Coca-Cola Japan is converting TV and radio advertising into public service announcements to conserve energy.
Two major US carriers, AT&T and Verizon are offering free calls and text messaging to Japan. They also are making the 24-hour Japanese news channel, TV Japan, free to subscribers.
McDonald's will donate $2 million to relief efforts. The funds will be channeled through the International Federation of the Red Cross.
Starbucks has some 900 stores in Japan, 100 of which are closed due to moderate, and in some cases, significant damage. Starbucks is working with The American Red Cross "to best direct our corporate support."
Public-relations firm Edelman said it has set up a matching Edelman Foundation employee contribution fund through the Red Cross for victims in Japan. Edelman will match up to $50,000 of