Gwen Stefani is the latest star to donate $1 million to help victims of Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami.
“I’ve been inspired by Japan for many years and have a true love, appreciation and respect for the Japanese people and their culture,” she said. “The disaster in Japan is beyond heartbreaking, and I want to do anything I can to help. I would never be able to make a gesture like this without the love and support of all the fans over all these years.”
The money will go to Save the Children's Japan Earthquake-Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund.
Gwen has not only made a personal donation but created a mechanism whereby her fans will be able to participate in her efforts. A charity auction will be announced next week where fans can bid on the chance to join Gwen at a special fundraiser in Los Angeles. Also available next week, a limited edition Harajuku Lovers T-shirt designed by Gwen will be available through nodoubt.com with 100% of proceeds benefiting the relief effort in Japan. Plans for further fundraising initiatives are also in current discussion.
Gwen Stefani has been inspired by Japan since she first toured there with No Doubt in 1996. Not only did she immediately fall in love with the country and it’s people, Gwen found a special connection to a district in Tokyo known as Harajuku, an area that thrives on creativity, music, art and fashion. The youth culture of the Harajuku district have been a constant muse for Gwen, inspiring both her clothing line called Harajuku Lovers and the song “Harajuku Girls.” Throughout her career Gwen has borrowed heavily from Japanese culture for many of her creative endeavors.
“We are very grateful to have such a generous donation from Gwen Stefani for our relief efforts in Japan,” said Charles MacCormack, president and CEO of Save the Children “Save the Children has been in Japan for 25 years and we are working closely with our teams on the ground to address the immediate and ongoing needs of children and their families whose lives were turned upside down by this tragedy.”
Last week, Sandra Bullock made a $1 million donation to the Red Cross for Japanese tsunami victims.
