Local artisans belonging to an online marketplace called Etsy are raising money for the benefit of disaster-ravaged Japan.
The head of the Vancouver Island Etsy “team” – Sooke resident Lindsay Jenkins – contacted the Sooke News Mirror last week to share some details about their initiative.
Jenkins has a personal connection and a very strong empathy for the people of the northern Japanese area hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunamis.
Jenkins, as a teenaged Journey Middle School student had been part of an exchange group visiting Natori, a city heavily damaged by the recent catastrophe.
“It was absolutely devastating to hear the town that had such a huge influence on me at that age had been nearly wiped off the map,” she said.
“I felt that even a small thing I could do to help would be something worthwhile.”
The group members taking part are donating items for sale with all or part of the proceeds to go toward Japanese relief efforts.
More artists are invited to join the effort, as are all shoppers who may be so inclined.
As Etsy members put it, “This innovative project offers an affordable, creative way for anyone to help, regardless of their budget.
A target of $5,000 was set, said Jenkins who informed that as of April 7 just about half that amount had been raised.
More details on this effort can be found online at: www.facebook.com/pages/
What-Can-You-Do-To-Help-Japan/ 200538399970415.
