For the first quarter of 2011, we have decided to donate our EcoJoia Fund of $100 to Relief International, in aid of Japan relief efforts. The earthquake and tsunami on April 6^th, 2011 left behind death and destruction. The remaining disaster survivors need help and funding to rebuild their community and lives. Many remain stranded in remote, hard-to-reach areas where cold weather and snow have increased their burdens. Thousands of families are displaced and living in evacuation shelters.

Relief International is working with Japanese aid groups to provide medical relief and life-saving supplies such as bottled water, ready-to-eat meals, warm clothing and necessary hygiene items to the people of Japan. Relief International is dedicated to helping those who need help most, especially in hard-hit regions. In collaboration with their Japanese relief partners, they have dispatched nearly 114 emergency medical personnel, alongside truckloads of medicine, sanitary goods and other medical supplies. They have a strong presence in Minamisouma city, where rumors of radiation leaks from the Fukushima nuclear power plant have caused tremendous social and economic damage.  They are also conducting relief efforts in Iwate, where shortage of medical care in the region has led to the death of many elderly people living in shelters and isolated homes.

At EcoJoia, our hearts go out to the people of Japan. We want to thank everyone who purchased an EcoJoia Fund product to make this donation to Relief International possible. To view EcoJoia Fund merchandise please click here and check in next quarter to see where the donation is made!