Celebrity relief efforts for Japan

We’ve all been deeply touched by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan last Friday. According to the Red Cross, Canadians have already raised over one million dollars as of Sunday, in support of one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded. 

Social media has played a huge role in the success of these relief efforts, with celebrities and organizations urging others to donate via Twitter.

Here are some of the ways they want you to help:

Lady Gaga has designed a Japan prayer bracelet etched with her signature monster paw and “We Pray For Japan.” The red and white wristbands are being sold for $5 on her website, with all proceeds going directly to Japan relief efforts. Gaga tweeted about her wristbands on Friday, and 48 hours later, $250, 000 was already raised.

Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda also tapped into his creative juices to encourage donations. On Friday, Shinoda expressed to his Twitter followers that he wanted to design a tsunami relief t-shirt, and asked for their input on the design. The final result features a white butterfly and the phrase, “Not Alone.” Proceeds from the tsunami relief t-shirt benefit the band’s Music for Relief Charity.

Actor Charlie Sheen posted on his official website that he will be donating $1 to the Red Cross from every ticket sold for his upcoming stand-up tour, “My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is Not an Option.”

Blink-182 frontman Mark Hoppus tweeted his relief intentions just hours after the quake hit. The singer set up an eBay account to auction off a number of rare items in an effort to raise funds for the earthquake survivors. Items up for auction include the original handwritten lyrics sheet for the group’s hit, “Rock Show,” which has already received a bid for over $20,000, used backstage passes, and the band’s dressing-room sign from the 2000 MTV Music Awards. 

Katy Perry, Diddy and Nina Dobrev urged their Twitter followers to text the Red Cross to donate, while Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Britney Spears expressed their condolences on their pages.

If you'd like help, you can donate to the Canadian Red Cross...simply text the word ASIA to 30333. You can also give on-line or call 1-800-418-1111.