Gwen Stefani Donates $1 Million to Tsunami Relief
Gwen Stefani has donated $1 million to Save the Children’s Japan Earthquake-Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund.
“I’ve been inspired by Japan for many years and have a true love, appreciation and respect for the Japanese people and their culture,” the 41-year-old No Doubt rocker shared. “The disaster in Japan is beyond heartbreaking and I want to do anything I can to help. I would never be able to make a gesture like this without the love and support of all the fans over all these years.”
Next week, details about a charity auction will be announced - fans can bid on the chance to meet Gwen at a special fundraiser! A limited edition Harajuku Lovers tee designed by Gwen will also be available next week, with 100% of the proceeds going toward disaster relief in Japan.
Also, a charity auction will be announced next week where fans can bid on the chance to join Gwen at a special fundraiser in Los Angeles. Also available next week, a limited edition Harajuku Lovers T-shirt designed by Gwen will be available through nodoubt.com with 100% of proceeds benefiting the relief effort in Japan. Plans for further fundraising initiatives are also in current discussion. Those who wish to participate more immediately may donate now at www.savethechildren.org
Gwen Stefani's History with Japan
Gwen Stefani has been inspired by Japan since she first toured there with No Doubt in 1996. Not only did she immediately fall in love with the country and it's people, Gwen found a special connection to a district in Tokyo known as Harajuku, an area that thrives on creativity, music, art and fashion. The youth culture of the Harajuku district have been a constant muse for Gwen, inspiring both her clothing line called Harajuku Lovers and the song "Harajuku Girls." Throughout her career Gwen has borrowed heavily from Japanese culture for many of her creative endeavors.
About Save the Children's response to children and families affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan:
Disaster Impact on Children: Save the Children is the leading, independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Children are always among the most vulnerable during emergencies. Children in the hardest-hit areas are in need of basic supplies such as food and clean water. With concerns over nuclear safety, there is a risk that problems with supply lines could grow worse. In addition, initial assessments have confirmed that over 5,500 schools have been damaged and it is anticipated that the opening of schools for the new term on April 5 will be delayed.
Conditions facing children and families are so extreme that they are developing a three-year strategy—based on their initial on-scene assessments—to first help provide essential relief items and launch child protection activities, and then help restore children's sense of security and normalcy and advocate for their inclusion in emergency preparedness planning.
"We are very grateful to have such a generous donation from Gwen Stefani for our relief efforts in Japan," said Charles MacCormack, president and CEO of Save the Children "Save the Children has been in Japan for 25 years and we are working closely with our teams on the ground to address the immediate and ongoing needs of children and their families whose lives were turned upside down by this tragedy."
