Like everyone else in the world, I am horrified by the tragedies that struck Japan last week. Though I have not personally been effected by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster there, I am overwhelmed with sadness and a feeling of helplessness when I view images or read stories about what is unfolding in Japan and the hardships that the Japanese people are enduring.
I’d been looking for a way to contribute to the relief effort beyond the modest donation to the Red Cross that my family’s budget can afford, when I became aware of the Bento4Japan campaign. Basically, the online bento community has banded together to raise funds for organizations working on the Japanese earthquake relief effort via eBay auctions. Since a Daiso store just opened in the town next door to mine (!!), I knew I had to put together a little package of goodies to auction off.
Here’s what I’m putting up:
If you’ve been thinking about trying your hand at bento lunches this set of items will give you all the tools you need to get going. Get *everything* you need to pack bento lunches in one fell swoop! Er…except the actual food, of course! You’re on your own there.
If I were starting my bento collection from scratch — knowing everything I’ve learned about bento-packing over the last three years — these are the items I would buy. Everything included in this collection is new in the box or package. Here is what is included in the auction:
- 1 480 ml single layer bento box, green
- 1 490 ml double layer bento box, blue
- 1 mini fork with carrying case, yellow
- 6 felt bento box belts in blues and greens
- 30 animal themed decorative picks
- 3 silicon baking cups, pink, yellow and orange
- 32 transportation themed coated paper cups (these are insanely cute)
- 2 hard-boiled egg molds, star and heart shapes
- Set of 9 cutters, space theme
When I was choosing items for this kit I picked products that would appeal to my boys, but I think little girls would also love lunches that were put together with these supplies. With the exception of a small processing fee, 100% of the winning bid for this auction will go to GlobalGiving, who will disburse funds to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Shipping is free.
You can bid on this set by going here:
If this kit isn’t your cup of tea but you’re interested in other bento gear, I encourage you to check out the other items listed in the Bento4Japan auction. You can view everything that’s been listed here:
Some other items I thought were particularly cool include:
- Signed Copy of Yum-Yum Bento Box Cookbook — there are several copies of this fantastic book up for auction
- Red Riding Hood Bento Box & Accessories — the box in this set is adorable
- Bento Starter Kit with a home made Smiling Onigiri Strap
- Gray Monokuro Boo Two Tier Bento Box — this is a really cool looking box
But really, anything you bid on as part of this fundraiser is going to be a nice addition to your bento collection!
Here is a little more information about Bento4Japan:
The devastating events on 11th March had shook the world to it’s core, and sometimes saying a prayer just isn’t good enough anymore. Rather than standing by on the sidelines watching helplessly, we thought it would be a good idea to at least try to make a difference. And this was why #bento4Japan was created.
[…] We have derived so much enjoyment from the Japanese culture and food, it is only right that we give something back to the country that had given us so much. We are not running a marathon or shaving off all our hair (too chicken); but we are auctioning off well-loved bento making items (new and gently used) via ebay and also fundraising on JustGiving and FirstGiving.
Thanks so much for any help you can give! Bid early, often and generously!
