Aid agencies appeal for Japan donations

Several Canadian branches of international development agencies have opened their lines to accept donations to help rebuild parts of Japan after the country was devastated by a massive earthquake and tsunami on March 11.

The scope and force of the back-to-back natural disasters means Japan will need help from neighbours for aid and logistical support for food, water, structural engineers and relief equipment. Here are some aid organizations that have intervened to raise money for rescue operations:

Humanitarian Coalition

Under the banner of the Humanitarian Coalition, four aid agencies — CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec and Save the Children Canada — have joined together to raise funds for Japan relief operations.

Phone: 1-800-464-9154

Website: www.together.ca

Canadian Red Cross

The Canadian Red Cross is also encouraging Canadians to support relief, evacuation and emergency response efforts with donations to its Japan Earthquake/Asia-Pacific Tsunami fund. Wireless users can text ASIA to 30333 to donate $5 to relief efforts.

Phone: 1-800-418-1111

Website: www.redcross.ca

Doctors Without Borders

Medical and logistics teams from Doctors Without Borders were racing to the worst-hit areas in Japan's Iwate and Miyagi prefectures by helicopter, as roads are blocked by flooding. The organization relies mainly on donations to support field operations for medical assistance.

Phone: 1-800-982-7903

Website: www.msf.ca

Federal government

Canadians can also find out how to provide assistance to Japan through the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade website, where there is a list of experienced humanitarian organizations.