Paper Cranes for Katrina

[gwynhefar]

Ever since Katrina hit and I realised just how lucky I was and how much devastation it left elsewhere, I've had this helpless feeling inside. I want to help, and there's really not much I can do. I know people have been calling for donations to the Red Cross and other relief funds and I would like to give what I can, but I'm incredibly short this month as well. My car broke down yesterday and I just paid $400 to have it fixed.

And then I had an idea. Ever since I was young, I was fascinated by the story of Sadako and the 1000 cranes. I learned how to make a paper crane and have folded them occasionally ever since. Recently I began doing it again. I folded several after Katrina, to give me something to do with my nervous fingers.

So here's the deal. I'm going for 1000. I'm pledging myself $0.10 a crane -- that's $100 if I make the goal, and all I can squeeze out of this month's budget. I'd like some of you to sponsor me too. Even if it's just $0.01 a crane, every little bit helps. Email me pledges at gwynhefar@gmail.com and I'll keep you updated as I fold. At the end of the month I'll set up a paypal account and all pledges will go to the Red Cross Katrina relief effort.

And at least I'll feel like I'm doing something.

Comments

[evilyn.livejournal.com]

Do you know to whom you will be donating?

[gwynraven.livejournal.com]

Probably the Red Cross, unless I find another group that needs it more.

[harkalark.livejournal.com]

Someone on the Voyagers (UU) list passed along this link, so this is probably where I'll send my donation:
http://southernmutualhelp.org/RuralRecoveryFund.cfm

But maybe I'll send some crane money, too.

By the way, I've been trying to call you back since I got off work, but I keep getting the "all circuits are busy" message. Are you posting from home now? I checked AIM and didn't see you there, either.

[gwynraven.livejournal.com]

I'm not on AIM at the moment. My connection from home is going up and down, so sometimes I can read email and posts and sometimes not.

[spc-bink.livejournal.com]

Good idea... keep us posted and I'll send some dinero your way.

Giving blood is always another option... if you can.

[gwynraven.livejournal.com]

I can't -- got a tattoo about 3 months ago so I'm disqualified. Otherwise I'd be getting over my fear of needles right about now :)

[luis-mw.livejournal.com]

Let me know when you are up and running

(Origami hobbyist here)

Oh, and see if you can find this song anywhere

http://www.stlyrics.com/songs/s/smallfred15863/cranesoverhiroshima428848.html

[gwynraven.livejournal.com]

I did 56 last night :) And thanks for the song -- the lyrics are beautiful. I'll have to try to find a copy.

[opakele.livejournal.com]

I will contribute. Money is going to be tight for a while, so I can't do much. Keep me posted. I'm at lelogan100 at gmail dot com.

[gwynraven.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Every little bit helps :)

[wldrose.livejournal.com]

hi hon I can pledge a nickle per crane how do you want to do this.

ash

[gwynraven.livejournal.com]

Thanks! When I reach 1000 I'll send an email to everyone who pledged. I'll set up a PayPal account, and then cut one big check to the Red Cross :)

[wldrose.livejournal.com]

cool blessed be freiend blessed be

I ask one thing if you can when its done will you send me a red one and a yellow one?

by the way do you need paper

Ash

[wldrose.livejournal.com]

cool ill send you some.

ash

[silme.livejournal.com]

I'll try to sponsor you for $50, regardless of how many cranes you fold.

[gwynraven.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much!

[silken-shadow.livejournal.com]

Please count me in for 100 cranes.

Please let me know if you need paper and I'll send it along. Just tell me what you want.

Oh btw, I'm here from tamson-house list.

[silken-shadow.livejournal.com]

Well, how about $.25 a crane, that's $25. And I'll be sending paper along shortly. Do you want origami paper or just a nice crisp paper?

Regardless, you're to be applauded for making this monumental effort.

[gwynraven.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

It doesn't matter if it's specifically origami paper or not, just so long as it's perfectly square and no bigger than 9" x 9" (anything larger makes a *huge* crane, and I need to be able to find room for all 1000 :)

[rowancat.livejournal.com]

Put me down for 25 cranes, say 1.00 per crane?
Save wear and tear on your fingers :)
I'll send a MO asap, save 2 or 3 cranes for me?
Glad you're doing this...

[gwynraven.livejournal.com]

will do :)

I'm in

[kenmorebrian.livejournal.com]

I just saw what you were doing through Shadesong's page, and I thought it was great. I'll match your $100, spread that across as many cranes as you want.

I'll e-mail you for details. Thanks!