Following the devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11, students, staff and faculty at Cal Poly Pomona have been using different channels to help the disaster victims in Japan.
Credit Union Accepting Donations
Individuals can donate money to the Japanese Red Cross through the Cal Poly Federal Credit Union. Since the credit union began collecting funds during finals week, it has received more than $2,000, says President and CEO Barbara Bean.
"There are $5 donations and $100 donations," Bean says. "Five dollars adds up fast."
Credit union members can call or email to request that their funds be transferred to the relief fund. Non-accountholders can drop off a check or cash at the credit union office, which is located in the Bronco Student Center. In addition, the credit union will waive any fees for international wire transfers to Japan through May.
T-Shirt Proceeds Benefit Disaster Relief
The Asian & Pacific Islander Student Center (APISC) has partnered with students at UC Irvine to sell a special T-Shirt, "Donate, Pray, Hope, Act Now for Japan," for $5. All sales proceeds will be donated to Red Cross and Operation Compassion, a nonprofit organization.
"A catastrophe like this is on the minds of students. It's everywhere, on the news, in the papers," says James Dang, a business student and social justice leader at APISC. "I think students are willing spend $5 to $10, a small contribution, for a big cause."
The Asian Pacific Islander clubs are also planning to host a larger fundraiser during spring quarter, Dang says.
To order a shirt, email Andrew Phan at andrewphan@cpp.edu and request a small, medium, large or extra-large size.
Counseling and Support Groups
Students who are feeling the stress from the disaster may speak with a counselor from Counseling & Psychological Services free of charge. A 24-hour hotline is available to all students, as well as faculty and staff who are concerned about a student. The hotline number is (909) 869-3220, then press 2.
The APISC will lead several support groups in its office in Building 95 for students to share their feelings and anxieties. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about emergency preparedness, as well as brainstorm and plan fundraising efforts. They may also discuss the political and economic aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami.
Meetings will be held:
- Friday, April 1, 1 p.m.
- Friday, April 8, 1 p.m.
- Friday, April 15, 1 p.m.
- Friday, April 29, 2 p.m.
Talent Show Winner Donates Winnings to Japan Relief
Taryn Gunaji, winner of Cal Poly's Got Talent, has announced that she will donate her winnings of $613 to the American Red Cross to aid in the recovery efforts in Japan.
"Initially, I wanted to donate the proceeds to breast cancer awareness and research, but after the recent disasters to hit Japan, I found it more appropriate to reallocate those funds to the American Red Cross for the immediate cause," Gunaji says.
Gunaji, a freshman business management and human resources major, sang "I Enjoy Being a Girl" from the musical "The Flower Drum Song" at the March 11 competition.