Buy a Button, Buy a Shelterbox–Help Raise Money for Japan

Updated April 13th, 2011:

Donors now have the option of donating any amount over $2 directly to Shelterbox under the Rising Phoenix banner. Click here to donate!

Notify us at attic.hermit@gmail.com with your confirmation & shipping info recieve a complimentary set of buttons.

Scenes of destruction in the coastal town after the Tsunami destroyed large parts of the north east coast in the town of Minamisanriku, Miayagi Prefecture, Japan. Image Courtesy of Shelterbox. Click for link.

As you all know, on March 11th 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake shattered thousands of lives in Japan. As of today, the death toll has reached over 8,000 people, with up to 15,000 people missing and over half a million without homes. Furthermore, the Fukushima nuclear plant is dealing with radiation leaks that could contaminate the nearby area further and put more lives at risk.

In cooperation with Button Me Up, Beyond Victoriana has started the Rising Phoenix Fundraiser for Japan, and will be selling special limited-edition buttons to raise money for the international aid organization Shelterbox to help provide for the devastated survivors of this mounting tragedy.

Each button costs a mere $2 each. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT of all profits made from the sale of these buttons will go toward Shelterbox. We hope to raise at least $1,000 USD between now and the end of Labor Day weekend, SEPTEMBER 5th, 2011.

As of April 13th, donors now have the option of also giving directly to Shelterbox under the Rising Phoenix banner and receive a complimentary set of buttons as a thank you.

There are three different button options to choose from, each incorporating an aspect of Japanese culture. Each button is 1 and 1/2 inches in diameter. A perfect addition to any jacket, bag, or steampunk vest.

Sakura Steampunk. Click image to purchase from Button Me Up's Etsy Store.

Rabbit on the Moon Wishing on a Star. Click image to purchase from Button Me Up's Etsy Store.

Helping hands with the Rising Sun. Click image to purchase from Button Me Up's Etsy Store.

Purchase a set of all three. Click image to purchase from Button Me Up's Etsy Store.

Domestic & international readers can order buttons directly through Button Me Up’s Etsy store.

In addition, we’re not just doing online sales–from now until the end of Labor Day weekend, SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2011, myself and other volunteers will be selling these limited edition buttons at every single steampunk-related event I will be going to.

Every single steampunk-related event, whether it be a convention, nightclub event, photoshoot, concert, Meetup gathering, etc., these buttons will be available for purchase. Contributions will be made directly to Shelterbox throughout the summer, and I’ll be giving periodic updates about how much money has been donated thus far.

To keep in mind just exactly how many events that entails, see this list of where I will be selling:

Nova Albion 2011
The Anachronism II
Anime Boston (in cooperation with Button Me Up)
Aetherfest
International Steampunk City
Steampunk World’s Fair
WisCon
AnimeNext (Button Me Up only)
plus, any future events this summer!

After the jump, read more about Shelterbox’s mission, and how Beyond Victoriana will give a special opportunity for people who donate in connection to our blog.

Why Shelterbox?

Shelterbox is an international aid organzation that provides aid supplies to people in the wake of disaster:

We deliver the essentials a family needs to survive in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Each large, green ShelterBox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items.

We pride ourselves on our ability to respond instantly to disasters and to do this we rely on a global network of volunteers. ShelterBoxes are delivered by highly trained, volunteer ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) members. These men and women, from all walks of life, give their time freely to help make the difference to the lives of others. Their passion, dedication and belief allow us to bring hope to countless families in need every year.

The Japanese government has also contacted this organization to provide aid for the cities of Miyako, Yamadamachi, Kamaishi, Rikuzentakata and Ofunato.

Image courtesy of Shelterbox. Click for link.

Donate & Be Featured as Part of the Rising Phoenix Circle. Plus, a Chance to Win Free Steampunk Giveaways

Since this will be a community effort, everyone deserves to be recognized for their contribution. Whether you buy in-person or online, whether it is one button or fifty, you will have the option of including your name as part of Beyond Victoriana’s Rising Phoenix Circle. The Rising Phoenix Circle is a spot where we can express our thanks for the generosity of the steampunk community by spotlighting these special donors.

Moreover, every donor will also be offered a chance to win a special prize pack, featuring autographed books, prints & more.

Donors do NOT have to have their name displayed as part of the Rising Phoenix Circle in order to enter the giveaway. Donors do NOT have to enter the giveaway either. The Rising Phoenix Circle and additional giveaway are donated by these authors, artists & makers to express our gratitude for buying a button toward our cause, and donors are under no obligation to participate in either. Giveaway winners will be announced after the end of the fundraising period on September 6th, 2011.

For Button Me Up, all you have to do is write your name in the Etsy order note with your order if you want your name included in the Circle and in the giveaway.

When buying in-person, please let me know if you want to be added to the Circle and in the giveaway.

We will be announcing what the giveaways will be soon, so watch this space!

In the meantime, buy a button.

Wear it with pride.

Spread the word.

One button can help a person in need.