The American Red Cross-Guam Chapter has gathered about $280,000 in monetary donations since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, while the Japan Club of Guam has collected nearly $450,000 from community organizations and residents, according to a Guam Visitors Bureau press release.
“With about 175,000 people living on our island, that totals to about $4 from each person here to help the relief effort in Japan,” said GVB acting General Manager Joann Camacho.
“As a culture, we have always been known for our hospitality, and this situation is no different. Our hearts go out to the people in Japan — from the families who have been displaced to the workers at Fukushima Dai-Ichi who continue to put in the time and effort to get the situation under control,” she added.
In addition to the $730,000 raised on Guam, the American Red Cross has given the Japan Red Cross about $100 million since the tragedy occurred, said Guam Chapter president Chita Blaise.
Despite raising hundreds of thousands of dollars, fundraising efforts continue. Each day, more and more local businesses and residents donate resources.
Everything from cell phone minutes to hotel stays have been given to Japanese families who happened to be on Guam when the earthquake hit.
Local residents have shown concern in other ways as well, including prayers at a March 25 vigil sponsored by GVB, Delta Air Lines, Bank of Guam, IP&E Guam, and the Shell Stations of Guam.
