BCom students unite for Japan in fundraising efforts

In the wake of Japan’s 8.9 earthquake and tsunami on March 11, Sauder students have come together and raised nearly $7,000 for relief efforts.

“Unite for Japan,” an initiative co-organized by BCom students Rodney Chan and Courtney Chew, raised $6,000 through a one-night event that included a silent auction, door prize giveaways, live entertainment and a photo booth.

Post-event, the team has been selling custom-made t-shirts and raising awareness through web-based and social media initiatives. Their efforts have caught the attention of an anonymous donor who offered to match all proceeds raised online up to $5,000. The students hope to raise $10,000, and will donate all proceeds to the Canadian Red Cross.

Those who want to donate online to Sauder’s “Unite for Japan” initiative can click here.

A second fundraising drive, “1000 Paper Cranes for Japan,” organized by undergraduate students Sara Hladun, Shayan Bashir, Amrinder Bolina and Chrissane Koussaz, has raised $800 for the Canadian Red Cross.

Based on the Japanese tradition of folding 1,000 origami paper cranes to gain a wish, the organizers invited fellow students to fold cranes, write a message or prayer, and donate money.

The 1,000 cranes will be sent to the not-for-profit organization, Students Rebuild,  which will contribute a further $2 for every crane, and will weave the colourful paper birds into an art installation dedicated to Japan.

Those who want to contribute to the crane-folding effort can click here.