ANS members have been generous. "It does not take more than a few moments of television news to realize how vast the destruction is and the magnitude of the task facing the Japanese in reconstructing what remains of their lives," said ANS member Jon Stouky, who has contributed to the fund. "Make no mistake when you see the stoic faces of these people; they are hurt deeply-and maybe for generations to come. I just try to comprehend what the reconstruction of my life might be like under similar circumstances and then give to the relief."
Stouky said that it is an obligation to reach out to nuclear compatriots in Japan at what ever level is appropriate. "As important as financial generosity is, the showing of solidarity expressed in numbers of people that recognize this need is just as important," he said.
Another ANS member, Robert Margolis, noted that he contributed to the fund for two reasons. "The first," he said, "is that I am confident of the strong administrative skills of the ANS staff, and that they will ensure the monies are properly put to use in Japan to aid in its daunting task of recovery. Second, while we in the nuclear profession are considering the profound implications and lessons to be learned from the Fukushima accident, this is but one component of the huge catastrophe that was the earthquake and tsunami, which shattered so many lives and communities in Japan."
Margolis added that ANS members must respond to the catastrophe not only as nuclear professionals, but as people of generosity and compassion. "I urge my fellow ANS members and the nuclear community at large to contribute to this vital fund so that we can have an immediate positive impact on the people of Japan as they recover from this horrible tragedy," he said.
ANS has made a $15,000 contribution to the fund, and the amount has been matched by an equal donation from the Nuclear Energy Institute, according to Christian Krapp, ANS controller. Krapp said that 100 percent of the funds will go to Japan's nuclear workers and their families. Two groups-the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum and the Japan Electrical Manufacturers Association-will serve as the fund's administrative arm in Japan.
Please continue to contribute generously to the fund using the online donation form. A monetary goal has not been set for the fund, and so donations will continue to be accepted for as long as people are contributing. As Stouky remarked, "Let's all get behind the fund and give generously."
Questions about the fund may be directed to Krapp or to Sharon Kerrick, ANS Outreach manager.
(ANS is a 501(c)3 organization under IRS guidelines. Donations to ANS are tax deductible as allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor.)
It has been more than a month since the tragedy in Japan and the events at Fukushima have unfolded. So far, the Japan Relief Fund-established by the American Nuclear Society-has collected almost $50,000 in donations, but more is needed. That's where you come in. Every dollar of your generous contribution will go toward nuclear plant workers and their families in Japan who have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami.