NEWSGwen Stefani Donates $1 Million to Earthquake-Ravaged Japan
March 23 2011, Published 10:04 a.m. ET
Gwen Stefani is reaching out to Japan. The singer and fashion designer has donated one million dollars to the devastated island nation which was left in deep despair after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami ravaged its coast.
"I've been inspired by Japan for many years and have a true love, appreciation and respect for the Japanese people and their culture. The disaster in Japan is beyond heartbreaking and I want to do anything I can to help," Gwen said in a statement. "I would never be able to make a gesture like this without the love and support of all the fans over all these years.”
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Gwen has directed her generous donation to the Save the Children’s Japan Earthquake-Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund to help children in particular during the the relief and recovery effort in Japan.
Gwen's fashion sense is highly driven by Japanese influence and she has been inspired by Japan since she first toured there with No Doubt in 1996.
According to a press released: "Not only did she immediately fall in love with the country and its 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."
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The mother of two has not only made a personal donation but is also encouraging her fans to help.
A charity auction will be announced next week where fans can bid on the chance to join Gwen at a special fundraiser in L.A..
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Also next week, a limited edition Harajuku Lovers T-shirt designed by Gwen will be available through nodoubt.com with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the relief effort in Japan.
Visit www.savethechildren.org to contribute to a cause so close to not only Gwen, but the world.
