Many people around the world were shocked to witness the terrible events that unfolding in Japan on March 11th. As Japan is considered a gaming Mecca,  the country holds a special place in many gamers hearts. In the days following the tragedy, Sony added an option to the PlayStation Store allowing PlayStation owners to directly donate to their local Red Cross Appeal. Today the EU PlayStation Blog have posted a Thank You letter from the British Red Cross, we have posted it below for you to read:

On behalf of the British Red Cross I would like to thank you for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe’s generous donation of £466,465.60 to support our immediate response to the biggest earthquake in its history which struck Japan on 11th March, measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale. The earthquake struck 250 miles northeast of Tokyo and triggered a devastating tsunami with up to 38 metre waves, which swept away everything in its path. More than 13,000 people have been confirmed dead so far and 14,000 are still missing or unaccounted for.

The Japanese Red Cross has been working on the ground since the disaster began, mobilising some 4,000 doctors, nurses and support staff. It is providing first aid and health care through mobile clinics, and support to the most vulnerable communities in the worst affected areas of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima. So far, 34,430 patients have been treated. Counselling services have been provided to a further 1,600 people, who are experiencing trauma or have suffered the loss of a family member.

Thanks to the PlayStation community’s amazing contribution to the appeal, the Japanese Red Cross is able to support victims of the tsunami with cash grants. These will be given to victims who have lost immediate family members; families whose homes were destroyed by the earthquake, tsunami or resulting fires; families whose homes were severely damaged; and households who have been required to evacuate. It will equip up to 70,000 transitional shelters with a package of essential home appliances, benefiting some 280,000 people.

Thank you again for helping us to be there when it matters most.

Yours sincerely,
The British Red Cross

Japanese Blossom Theme PlayStation users received after donating

Source: EU PlayStation Blog