The recent earthquake in Japan and the resulting tsunami have devastated the lives of tens of thousands of people from all walks of life. The BMW Group recognizes the pressing need for international assistance and aide to help Japan deal with the catastrophe.

 

To this end, BMW Group has donated one million euro (the equivalent of $1.42 million U.S.) earmarked for the treatment of traumatized children, emergency aid and reconstruction work. The money will go to two important organizations providing much needed services and assistance in the tsunami-torn areas of Japan. The first is the Japanese Red Cross, which has mobilized more resources than any other aid group currently working in the earthquake zone. The Japanese Red Cross has a long history of supporting victims of natural and other disasters around the world since 1877, and it counts Her Majesty the Empress of Japan as its honorary president.

 

Also benefiting from the donation is the Save the Children charity. This international non-profit organization works to secure the health and safety of children wherever they’re at risk. Save the Children, which has been active in Japan for 25 years, is supporting emergency relief efforts through the creation of child-friendly spaces in evacuation centers. 

 

BMW has created a system that allows its employees to donate to support these charities also. Individuals who would like to join in the BMW Group’s effort can do so via the following links:

 

Donate to the Japanese Red Cross: www.jrc.or.jp/english/relief/l4/Vcms4_00002070.html

 

Donate to the Save the Children Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund: http://bit.ly/iEKnOJ