Japan holds a special place in my heart. I lived and worked there for a time and being on my own, living in a foreign country far away from home, taught me many valuable life lessons.

The day before I was to go on vacation, March 11th, the tsunami and earthquake struck the country. I was stunned and glued myself to the radio and Internet to keep up-to-date with the latest news. Even while in Costa Rica, I couldn’t help but watch the news and feel waves of emotion for the country and its people – my second home.

The images and videos captured of the Japan tsunami and earthquake are extremely upsetting and at moments nearly have me in tears. Being so far away, unable to physically assist with relief efforts is a helpless feeling. So I donated money to the Canadian Red Cross. I urge you to take part, here’s how:

Canadians wishing to help support relief efforts underway are encouraged to contribute by:

• Donating online
• Calling 1-800-418-1111
• By texting the word ASIA to 30333 to make a one-time donation of $5*
• Donating at a participating bank branch
• By contacting their local Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked “Japan Earthquake/Asia-Pacific Tsunami” and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2.

* A one-time donation of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill. Standard messaging rates and additional fees may apply to donation texts. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. This service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the Canadian Red Cross by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.mobilegiving.ca. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to 30333.

Images from the Canadian Red Cross