Soshified's Japan Relief Fund Project for the victims of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami tragedy saw generous contributions from 480 members over 32 countries including USA, UK, Singapore, Australia, Europe, Brazil raising a net total of US$33,500 through a 3-week donation drive from 12th of March 2011 to 31st of March, 2011.
Soshified donated the amount collected to Peace Boat, a Japan-based international non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment. Peace Boat is currently acting in a coordination role between Ishinomaki’s local government and many other NGOs, institutions and individuals by providing dedicated disaster relief and long-term support for the recovery of several cities in Miyagi prefecture following the devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 11. On July 28th, 2011, a Peace Boat representative responded with a thank you letter to Soshified which you can read below.
Generous Soshified members have also donated rare autographed items by Girls’ Generation from their personal collection for to auctions that contributed US$6,419.99 to the Japan Relief Fund. These items hold special meaning to their respective donors, but they have selflessly contributed their prized possessions to help those who are critically in need of aid. An autographed Run Devil Run Album signed by Taeyeon was auctioned off at $999.99, making it the highest bid collected. The list of auctions are as follows:
1. Taeyeon-signed Run Devil Run CD donated by
Soy closed at $999.99.
http://bit.ly/q0vKrJ
2. Yoona-signed ITNW CD donated by
Galbi closed at $750.
http://bit.ly/qVq8WZ
3. Hyoyeon-signed Sync Stand donated by
yocheckitout closed at $450.
http://bit.ly/oCOLjv
4. Yuri-signed Keychain donated by
Kourai closed at $550.
http://bit.ly/pm0nwo
5. Yoona-signed Spao shirt donated by
CityRabbit closed at $580.
http://bit.ly/oXYJ0I
6. Tiffany-signed Girls' Generation CD donated by
Holly closed at $760.
http://bit.ly/nEg8lE
7. Jessica-signed DS Game (Man to Man) donated by
iamtommy closed at $500.
http://bit.ly/hbMerA
8. Super Rare INTW Concert Set also donated by
iamtommy closed at $660.
http://bit.ly/p7I90i
9. Yoona-signed Bunny shirt also donated by
iamtommy closed at $450.
http://bit.ly/mVp6wt
The project leader for the Japan Relief Fund project, Geoff, also known as "
GPTX" on Soshified forums, urged fellow Soshified members to help make a difference by contributing to the project. "In light of the recent and ongoing tragedy that has occurred in Japan, we will be raising money in support of those affected. As a global community, SONEs not only support the girls, but we support each other," he said.
One member who goes by the username "
Nightfly", touched the hearts of many others by donating his entire paycheck of $1196.
“While there is no way for money to make up for the loss of people’s lives, it can help those who survived; there are millions who are without food, water, shelter, who need help immediately or they will most certainly die,"
Nightfly said in his donation post. I will gladly give up…anything else I own to save the life of someone who did nothing to deserve the catastrophe that occurred in Japan." Another member who left encouraging words was "
SweetTooth". "I couldn't donate much because my Mum is currently at the hospital now, but it's the least I could do and I hope this amount of money helps the needy even for just a bit....I urge that SONEs would do the same and donate as much as you can.... SONEs, let's all unite together and help the victims and show J-SONEs our love for them. Small efforts can make a BIG difference," She said in her donation post.
The top few donations were made by
bbzidane ($2,500),
Nightfly ($1196),
Strydor ($1000) and
Anonymous3600 ($1,000). Soshified would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this project.
This is not the first time Soshified is involved with charities. In conjunction with Girls' Generation's third anniversary last year, Soshified donated US$5,680 to Charity Water, a non-profit initiative which focuses on providing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations.