Donations to Japan start at slow pace: Companies, individuals may not think help is needed (MSNBC)

By Allison Linn Senior writer
updated 3/16/2011 3:41:27 PM ET 2011-03-16T19:41:27

Last year, when an earthquake struck Haiti, companies and charities rushed to aid the country, one of the world's poorest.

The initial response has been more muted for Japan as that much wealthier nation deals with a devastating earthquake and tsunami that has left 4,000 dead so far and at least 7,000 missing, not to mention an ongoing nuclear crisis.

So far at least, overall giving to aid relief efforts in Japan has been lower than in other recent disasters. According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, charities raised more than $47 million in the first four days after the disaster struck in Japan. By contrast, four days after the earthquake struck in Haiti last year, more than $150 million had been raised.

Donations to Japan start at slow pace: Companies, individuals may not think help is needed (MSNBC)

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