The Mar. 11 Japanese earthquake and tsunami has had a profound effect on the world at large, but it has also hit close to home as a number of University of Lethbridge international students are from Japan or have ties to the region.

Beginning Wednesday, Mar. 16, the Japanese students, working with staff from the International Centre for Students, are launching a fundraising and awareness campaign to support relief efforts.

In addition to charitable organizations promoted by the Japanese students, people can also support two major charities operating in the region - Shelterbox International and the Canadian Red Cross.

Look for an awareness display just outside the main entrance to the University Library.

You can donate online to these organizations by visiting these websites:

Shelterbox

http://shelterboxcanada.org/

Red Cross

http://www.redcross.ca