Japan's earthquake and tsunami prompts fundraising effort through April 2011

Donations may be made through Friday, April 15 Rasmuson Hall, AHAINA Student Programs Suite 106 Program hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

AHAINA Student Programs lead efforts to assist those in need. On Friday, March 11, 2011, a magnitude 8.9 earthquake and tsunami crippled northeastern Japan, leaving its citizens in desperate need of assistance from neighboring countries. Japanese police say the official death toll now stands at 2,414, and the number of people officially missing is at 3,118. According to MSNBC.com, officials estimate that tens of thousands of people were swept away by the tsunami that devastated a long stretch of Japan's northeastern coast. Millions of people in this region are now searching for food, water and heat to stay warm in near-freezing temperatures.

AHAINA Student Programs (African American, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, International and Native American) and UAA International Student Association are working with the American Red Cross of Alaska to coordinate fundraising efforts to assist those affected by this natural disaster. AHAINA Student Programs provides social and academic support services to UAA students of Asian descent.

Carey D. Brown, assistant director of AHAINA Student Programs, says, "AHAINA feels the need to set an example for our students, not only to succeed academically, but to succeed as members of our society and exercise their civic duties, especially in times of crisis. We know the University community is behind us as we move forward in assisting those in need." Diane H. Kozak, interim director of the Multicultural Center, wants UAA students to know that any support -- whether financial or emotional, is important. "Our students demonstrate an innate desire to take care of each other. How a student gives may be different for each but the core is built upon caring."

AHAINA Student Programs and the International Student Association would like to thank donors in advance for reaching out during this time of need and for providing some relief to the victims of this devastating natural disaster.

For more information, contact Carey D. Brown at (907) 786-4082 or ancdb@uaa.alaska.edu.