You know by now that Japan has been hit by an earthquake and a tsunami. This is big An 8.9 magnitude earthquake. And 4 metre waves. There are tsunami warnings across the Pacific coastline, including BC. The number of people reported dead, injured or missing continues to climb. Over four million households are without electricity. The earthquake has caused fires that continue to cause severe damage. It's awful. Awful, awful, awful. But you can help From the Canadian Red Cross website:

Canadians wishing to help support relief efforts underway in Japan are encouraged to contribute by donating online, calling 1-800-418-1111 or contacting their local Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked “Japan Earthquake/Asia-Pacific Tsunami” and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2.

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I'm hoping there will be ways to donate by text message soon, too. That's such a handy way to donate. Has anyone heard of a reputable charity accepting text donations for Japan yet? UPDATE: The American Red Cross is collecting text donations. To contribute, send a text with REDCROSS to 90999 and $10 (US, I presume) will be donated to the relief efforts. UPDATE: I'm getting reports that you can donate $5 to the Canadian Red Cross by texting REDCROSS to 30333. (Thanks for the tip from commenter Amy Gill!)