The media interest in Japan’s tsunami and earthquake victims may be drifting away, but at House and Home we haven’t forgotten. This month, you can help the cause and nab yourself a sweet designer cotton tote bag for summer at the same time. Garrendenny Lane, the Irish online interiors store, is stocking these pretty totes, designed and made by Japanese native (and tote-ally fab designer) Yukari Sweeney. All the proceeds, except the cost of the printing of the fabric, are being donated to Red Cross Japan.
The bags depict Koi fish, symbolising strength, good fortune and bravery – things the Japanese will need in abundance over the coming months. It is made of 100% cotton and costs €15.50 at www.garrendennylane.ie. (Just log on and look out for the 'For Japan' category).
Yukari is also making 1,000 paper cranes (or senbazuru), which are Japanese symbols of good luck and also a reminder of loss. She’s making them from her own wallpaper, each inscribed with a personal message. Leave your personal message online when your purchase a tote for Japan, and Yukari will enclose it in her paper cranes.
It takes less then five minutes to nab a gorgeous bag and help this really important cause… www.garrendennylane.ie
