Social Media and dogs to help Japan

Look what social media can do. In light of what is happening in Japan, the power of social media is working its magic to help. Frankly, I can barely wrap my head around this continuing tragedy, so I’m working on what I can do to help. Please visit http://mashable.com/2011/03/13/japan-earthquake-tsunami-help-donate

I especially like the link to http://www.facebook.com/exploredogs, where it’s just been announced that they have raised $100,000 in one day (!!!) to help Japan, by committing $1.00 for every “like” they received on their “DOG BLESS YOU” Facebook page. This was announced at SXSW, the annual South by Southwest Festival in Austin, TX. Explore.org founder Charlie Weingarten delivered the challenge at South by Southwest yesterday. “Search and rescue dogs are a critical resource for emergency situations,” he told the audience. They are partnering with the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (NDSDF) in California.

I used to do volunteer writing for the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (NDSDF).  They are a WONDERFUL organization.  I first found them when I made a pin after 9/11 to help raise money and wanted to donate to one of the search dog organizations. They’re now sending teams to Japan. To help, please visit http://www.searchdogfoundation.org/98/html/1-deployments/1-2_japan.html

(Yes, for those interested, I’m working on a design for a pin to help the people in Japan. I’ll post when it’s ready.)

Here is the Huffington Post’s article about how to help. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/11/how-to-help-japan-earthquake-relief_n_834484.html

The power of social media has helped save lives, and now it’s helping to raise money for the rescue, relief, and recovery effort. Please share this post so more people can join in the endeavor.