Ok, so the money has been sent to the Red Cross. Total came out to a little over $425. That is way beyond my initial expectations, so good job folks.

Cranes for those who donated will go out this week. If you haven't given me your address and you want one email me at gwynhefar @ gmail . com.

For those of you who wondered what 1000 cranes looked like, a picture of the 1000 (in two large bins) is behind the cut, along with a picture of the 1000th crane.

A reminder for those who haven't sent me their money yet -- the paypal address is cranesforkatrina@gmail.com, or you can click on the button below. Alternatively, you can email me and I'll send you my postal address if you'd rather send a check.

Also, don't forget to email me your address and the type of crane you want. I'll be sending them all out at once when I've done collecting pledges, so if you've already sent me the information, don't worry, it's coming.

There's still an opportunity for those of you who couldn't pledge to help out. $2 buys you a crane and a certificate of authenticity, with the proceeds going to Noah's Wish (for the animal victims of Katrina). $2 isn't all that much folks, and you get a neat keepsake of the project.

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I've got about 40 cranes left to fold to make 1000. I'm going to save them for tomorrow night, while waiting for Rita to hit. This project began with a hurricane, and it'll end with one. I figure that's appropriate.

And who knows, depending on what happens maybe I'll start folding another 1000 for Rita.

Scary to think we've still got more than two months of hurricane season left.

Crane count as of yesterday: 793 cranes.

Also my mother of all people came up with a great idea for what to do with all those cranes when I'm done. I'm selling them off for more charity money. People who have already pledged a certain amount per crane will automatically get a crane. For those who can't afford to pledge, a mere $2 buys you a piece of this project. You get a crane and a certificate of authenticity certifying that your crane was one of 1000 folded specifically for the victims of Katrina. I will honour colour/pattern requests as I can, but no guarantees. Proceeds from the sale of cranes will go to Noah's Wish (because the animals need our help too).

Crane count as of tonight: 501 cranes.

The halfway point has been reached.

I can't fold as many during the week, but I plan to make up for it this weekend.

As always, details and pledge instructions here.

Crane count for tonight: 420 cranes

And yes, my fingers hurt. But at least I'm nearing halfway.

As always, details and pledge instructions here.

And thanks to shadesong for pimping my project on her journal.

Crane total as of last night: 134 cranes

Read details and pledge here.

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.