The Charmed Life: Maneki Nekos to Watch Over Japan Part III

The continuing events in Japan remind us that help is still urgently needed, so here are my maneki neko earrings to benefit Japan.

The Maneki Neko, or Good Fortune Cat, is a traditional symbol in Japan. It is said that a Maneki Neko with the right paw raised brings fortune, one with the left paw raised brings business, and one with both paws raised brings both.

The Maneki Neko has long been a symbol of protection in Japan, as well. There are many stories of the maneki neko (some of which you can find right here in the blog), in which a cat saves a monastery, a lady of the evening, sailors, Santa's Elves, an emperor, and more.

Some back-story: When the earthquake a tsunami hit two weeks ago, I began to ponder a way to help Japan, and created Maneki Nekos for Japan ~ good fortune kitty earrings whose proceeds would benefit various agencies aiding Japan. The traditional Japanese Lucky Cats did their job. So far, together, we raised $1030 for various relief organizations: Red Cross, Save the Children, The International Medical Corp., the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund, the Salvation Army, MercyCorps, Peace Winds Japan, Doctors Without Borders, Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support, and World Vets

There are many maneki neko earrings available here on the blog. The entire $30 purchase price goes to your chosen charity. I only ask for a $3.50 shipping/handling fee to cover the cost of shipping and the inevitable PayPal fees. For those who do not wear earrings, I can make charms, zipper pulls, and cell phone charms, too. There are also some bracelets and necklaces available on this blog.

If you see a pair of earrings you like, leave a comment here, or message me on FaceBook. (Messages are not seen by the public without me approving them, so your contact info is secure.) I will send you an invoice and ask you to choose your charity from the list above. When you pay, I will ship your earrings, send the money to your chosen charity, and send you confirmation of the donation.

The need in Japan in great, and I am very proud that so many of you have done so much to help.

Left Paw Seashell Maneki Neko