Apr
27
2010
Welcome to the Webcomic Charity.
Author: Yamino
Why, hello! Here is what you can do while you're here:
* Learn more about the project
* Take a look at the list of participating artists
* Submit your application to participate
* Spread the Word!
You can also subscribe to the RSS feed and/or my Twitter account for updates. Additionally, I have set up a Facebook page. Tell yo friends!
Updated: May 1
You votes have spoken! We will be donating the proceeds of this charity to Kiva.
(Natalie Portman approves this.)
Kiva's mission is to connect people, through lending, for the sake of alleviating poverty. Kiva empowers individuals to lend to an entrepreneur across the globe. By combining microfinance with the internet, Kiva is creating a global community of people connected through lending. By connecting people we can create relationships beyond financial transactions, and build a global community expressing support and encouragement of one another.
The thing about Kiva is that it's not ACTUALLY a charity, but a micro-loan company. This means that all the money donated there will eventually be paid back. So the money generated from this can be re-used to keep finding small businesses. It's the gift that keeps on giving. =)
April 28th, 2010 at 4:15 am
So.. as someone who has personally been struggling with Crohn''s Disease for over a year now and who had no insurance until just recently ( 7 times hospitalized before I did )
I want to suggest pulling money for students and young people who have no insurance ( no one to turn to ) who have been diagnosed with this chronic disease which currently has no cure but very expensive treatment.
I just want to give it the chance.. even if it''s not picked I am happy to support other charities. It''s just that for me, personally, this disease has wrecked my life and chances at going to the art college I dreamed of since middle school. I don''t want anyone else to go through that. Especially since most of the time this disease affects people between the age of 15 and 30 years old, just when you are getting started to make your place in the world..
ugh ok ok! I''ve said enough!! Sorry! Anyways, that''s all I have to say. Thanks for listening.
April 28th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Firstly, fantastic idea, and thank you for finding a new way to connect artists with charitable causes.
I''d like to suggest a little-known charity which desperately needs support:
http://www.japancatnet.com/
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20080126a2.html <-- (article in Japan Times outlining some of their work)
The Japan Cat Network has been my charity of choice ever since I worked with them whilst living in Kyoto, and founders David and Susan helped to support me as I tried to find homes for 7 abandoned kittens I found in a river. Throughout that painful process, I learned far more than I ever wanted to know about the gross neglect and mistreatment of cats in Japan. Each year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens either die on the street, are drowned in local rivers, or disposed of at the local hokenshou (public health department) under horrifying conditions.
The Japan Network is a grassroots organisation aiming to reduce the number of unwanted kittens born through Trap-Neuter-Release (which also reduces the spread of disease) and education to encourage locals to spay their pets. They also house rescued cats (read some of their heart-breaking stories on the website), offering them for adoption or fostering (great for expats living in Japan temporarily).
Unfortunately, because there is almost nothing in the way of animal welfare enforcement in Japan (and because it is run by foreigners), the government will not grant the JCN charity status. They rely mostly on donations from members and overseas supporters to continue their work. I know it seems like a small charity, but that means even a little goes a long way. $100 will spay 2 cats, which prevents the death of up to 30 unwanted kittens in the first year alone.
I realise there are a huge number of charities in desperate need of support at the moment, but I''d ask you to please consider JCN. Artists love kitties (mine are a wonderful hindrance to my artistic efforts when they sit on my drawing table and materials).
Although I do not have a webcomic to offer, I do a lot of freelance art (check my devart), including postcard art (became addicted to making original postcards in Japan, where the pastime is very common). I''d be happy to offer my support in the form of original postcards, and pet commissions - draw your pet (either a proper piece, or a comic of your pet doing whatever weird crap it does). I know this doesn''t mean much as I''m not a webcomic artist, but I''d still like to support any way I can, if you feel there''s a place for it.
Thank you for your consideration. If you are interested in any other info, please feel free to email me.
Cheers,
- Amy
April 28th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Kiva.org allows a person to "invest" a sum of money into helping a person in a developing country to start a business.
The great thing about this cause is that the loan is repaid and can be re-invested almost indefinitely to help dozens of people make a living.
April 29th, 2010 at 12:06 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Yamino, Robin Hayes. Robin Hayes said: RT @Yamino: Major updates to the Webcomic Charity page: Check the Instructions page, and the Cause Poll: http://bit.ly/aHku8Y [...]
May 7th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
Does it need to be a webcomic? How about a story? =/ I write and draw nonstop but I don''t have a webcomic... but I really want to do this.
May 22nd, 2010 at 5:13 pm
If you have enough of a following that you think someone will buy your cards, then it''s not a problem. =)
June 9th, 2010 at 6:38 am
So when does this start? I''m very interested in donating and I really like your list of potential participants.
June 11th, 2010 at 3:47 am
I''m planning to get the cards up by the end of the month, or at least the cards people have finished. =)