The Earthquake in Japan Hits Close to Home, So I'm Donating 100% of my eBook Sales for March

My family has a very strong connection to the people and culture of Japan. For many years we took in students as part of a Homestay program in Edmonton via Global Partners. We've had something like 11 Japanese daughters and 1 Japanese son. And that is exactly how I think of them. They are a part of my family. So you can imagine my devastation as the terrible news and horrifying footage hit my television and my heart.

Through this Homestay program, our daughter became so intrigued by the Japanese culture that her dream was to go to Japan. And she achieved that dream in high school when her Japanese language class went to Japan for almost 2 weeks. That was a couple of years ago, and she still longs to visit Japan. I am so glad she did not go this month!

With a tragedy as large as this, it is hard to determine what we can each do to help. There is no worse feeling than helplessness as we stand on one continent so far away, safe and protected from the horror. I fear what will happen to "my children" over in Japan. I fear what may have already happened to them and their families. Though I've been able to reach some via Facebook (THANK YOU, FACEBOOK!!!), others are out of touch.

What can I do to make a difference? The only thing I can do: donate money for relief efforts. Cash is a cold commodity in some ways, but it is what Japan and its residents will need in the coming months and years to recover from such widespread devastation. I'll be making a donation to the Red Cross from me and my family, but there's more I can do.

1.) I will be donating 100% of my income from all my ebook sales during March to the Japan earthquake relief fund at the Red Cross. Ebook sales are easier for me to track, and truthfully, I sell far more ebooks than print books. I hope that this brings my readers a measure of satisfaction. By purchasing one of my ebooks, you have helped Japan's recovery.

2.) For those currently living in Japan who have Internet and need some light distraction from the terrible tragedy around you, email me at cherylktardif@shaw.ca from a Japanese email address/server and I'll send you my bestselling novel Whale Song (in English ebook edition) FREE. It's the least I can do. This offer will be good until April 30th, 2011.

To my dear Kumiko, Akari and Yuki, I am so relieved that you and your families are safe and I pray that you remain safe. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, and with all of Japan.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
bestselling Canadian author
http://www.cherylktardif.com 
http://www.twitter.com/cherylktardif
http://www.facebook.com/cherylktardifCheryl Kaye Tardif is a Canadian suspense author.
http://www.cherylktardif.com