Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Cafu Announces Soccer Match in Qatar to Benefit Japan

It was recently announced that Qatar would host a all-star soccer match to benefit those affected by the detrimental earthquake and tsunami on March 11. In the aftermath of the natural disaster, it is now said that over 14,000 lives were taken, 5,000 were injured, and close to 12,000 people still remain missing.

The World Bank has estimated that the damage could range anywhere from US $120 billion to $235 billion, while the Japanese government has suggested that the cost could be as high as $309 billion, which would make it the most expensive natural disaster in history. Many people are doing all that they can to help the people of Japan who were tragically affected by this disaster, but the country still certainly needs all the help it can get.

Thankfully, celebrities and athletes all over the world are stepping up just like everyone else, including Brazilian soccer-great Cafu, who helped organize the event in Qatar and announced it alongside the Qatar Football Association (QFA). The match will be between a team comprised of players from the 2002 World Cup Finals between Brazil and Germany (which Cafu played in) and another team of international all-stars. The match is scheduled to be played this upcoming December, and none of the players will be paid for their appearance.

The QFA and the Asian Football Confederation have also stated that they are in the midst of planning separate events to benefit Japanese charities as well. While many celebrities and athletes have stepped-up and organized charities and benefits, there are always numerous ways to help no matter who or where you are. For a list of many of these options, please read click here, or you can simply text JAPAN to the number 864233 (UNICEF), and $10 will be added to your monthly cell phone bill.

Also, as we do offer local numbers in Japan, if anyone you know is looking for an easy, reliable way to make calls to or from Japan, feel free to tell them about StanaCard. If you refer a friend or family member, you will both receive $10 when your referral signs up and makes a call.