In the local news

There is a wonderful article in the Big Bear Grizzly today about the bracelet sales for Japan disaster relief. A huge thank-you to my wonderfully supportive friends and coworkers!

My goal is $500, but I'd be thrilled to see it go beyond that. The bracelets are $10 each and 100% of that will be donated to the Red Cross specifically for Japan disaster relief.

The bracelets can be purchased at www.amikami.etsy.com.

The quarter million people - elderly, children, broken families - that have been left homeless because of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami are still living in makeshift shelters and struggling not only for survival, but with the emotional scars left from this horrific disaster. These are strong, hard-working and were self-sufficient people who have lost everything. Every bit of support we can show from outside Japan helps bring hope for the future of these people.

Thank you and keep praying for Japan. ♥ 日本のために祈る ♥

Red Cross Donation!

I am very happy to announce I made my first donation to the Red Cross for Japan disaster relief since starting my personal campaign making bracelets to support this important cause.

I have never done anything like this before and was apprehensive in the beginning as to how effective I, as a small individual, could be. I woke up on the morning of March 17 with this idea and a week later have donated over twice what I thought I'd be capable of raising.

I have an enormous amount of gratitude for all those who have supported my efforts and purchased bracelets. There are about a quarter MILLION Japanese people who have lost everything (family, property, livelihood) and are currently still, after 2 weeks, living in makeshift shelters with little hope for their future. 10,000 bodies have been recovered, about that many more are still missing. They are proud and strong, but still at this time are in need of help. Let's all do what we can and together help them to recover.

Bracelets are $10 each and 100% goes to the Red Cross for Japan disaster relief. Bracelets can be purchased HERE. You can also follow the fundraising progress on the AmiKami Facebook page : http://www.facebook.com/pages/AmiKami/111971105499272

Thank you and keep praying for the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami!

Please help support Japan earthquake relief!

It has been a very very long time since I've blogged .... wow, I hadn't realized HOW long until now! But I am back and with a very important message.

I am trying to help raise money to donate to the Red Cross to help the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami.

Japan has a very special place in my heart. I have family and friends there and my children are half Japanese. I was horrified at the devastation and deeply saddened by the tremendous loss of lives.

I cannot write a check for $1m, or join the rescue efforts over there, but I want to do what I can. Even if it is just a little bit, I think it is every little bit that makes a huge difference.

So, I started selling these bracelets in my Etsy shop for $10 and will donate the entire $10 to the Red Cross.

I have sold 12 ($120) . . . but my goal is to sell 50.

The bracelets are crocheted from a vintage lace pattern in 100% cotton thread and is secured with a sparkly Swarovski crystal button.

A tiny red glass heart is attached with a jump-ring as a reminder to keep praying for the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami.

Red symbolizes courage, the heart is for love and your donation brings hope.

These bracelets can be made in a variety of colors to suit your taste and in a size to fit you perfectly.

Please help me reach this goal - purchase a bracelet, spread the word and together we can make a difference!

Thank you and keep praying for Japan!