Local 5 year old raising money for Japan 3/18

This is a traditional custom in Japan to wish others well and show love and support. They are going to have a spot set up at the College of Idaho McCain Student Center from 10-3 on Friday the 18th.

The money raised will go to the Red Cross.

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Sent to me from one of my readers….

I know this is not the true purpose of your blog. I have been following your blog for a couple of years now and know that this will tug at your heart strings and hope it might be worthy of a post.  Thanks so much!

My kindergartner finished the week last week, much like we all did, watching in awe as a massive tsunami slammed into coastal Japan.  Over the course of the weekend, the topic arose a few times as we said prayers for the people of Japan and questions surfaced about what else we might do.  A bake sale? A letter to Japan to say we are so sorry? Or something else?  When she figured out that they were running short on food, water, blankets, etc. – all things we usually take for granted, she knew she wanted to do something. The ideas were on a small scale, because for a 5 year old, large scale is pretty inconceivable.

By Monday, we had come up with a plan and proposed a fundraiser to her school.  But time was too tight with Spring break on the horizon (it started this morning – hooray!!) so we had to come up with another location and other participants.

Senbazuru is an ancient Japanese tradition of folding 1,000 origami cranes.  The person who folds 1,000 cranes is said to then be granted a wish.  These  masses of cranes are displayed at peace memorials in Japan, at weddings, hospitals, or anywhere one may express well wishes and a desire for some outcome.  My daughter has been collecting pledges this week to fold cranes for her senzaburu she would like to dedicate to Japan and their recovery.

So, again, we were looking for a great location and we landed on College of Idaho, with multiple interested parties who would like to participate in this event and contribute in other ways.

As the idea developed, we contacted the Red Cross and they will be accepting our donations in support of tsunami relief for Japan.  Someone (maybe the Red Cross) contacted the news and there will likely be a film crew at some point.  International students who attend the college, a sorority, a photographer and others have expressed interest in participating.  We are hoping that your readers will be interested too.

Our daughter and others will be at McCain Student Center on the College’s campus from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. tomorrow, March 18 to fold cranes and accept donations.  ALL proceeds will go to Japan.  Supplies have been donated and we are just hoping to add to the gift that we will be sending to help Japan.

Admittedly, a five year old wouldn’t be able to do this alone.  It’s not just hers anymore.  But the inspiration and the idea to DO SOMETHING other than watch in tears is hers and I couldn’t be more in awe of that kind of love and compassion.

Hope to see you / others there.  If that’s not possible, please feel free to contact me to make a contribution.  How many cranes is too many, after all!!!

Thanks
Amy