Fundraiser

It's the season to gather - for dinner parties and holiday-sweater soirees, cookie-baking marathons and weekends with family. And then there's New Year's Eve lurking around the corner. No matter where you go this month, chances are good you'll want to bring a token of appreciation, especially for an overnight or extended stay. But how many bottles of wine can one host drink? Don't answer that question.

The devastating earthquake in Japan, followed by the tsunami and ongoing nuclear crisis have shaken the hearts of people around the world. Organizations and individuals from all walks of life have poured their efforts into campaigns to help: university students can be seen on the streets with donation boxes; celebrities are giving charity performances; relief supplies and funds from other countries are sent to Japan everyday. Shan Shan, a textile artist from Osaka, has tried to support her country's grieving people with her artwork.